C.A.R.E. -- the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education -- held an awards ceremony at the National Cultural Centre in St Lucia on Friday March 4. This certainly was a ceremony with a difference.

C.A.R.E. has been working with some of the most marginalised youth of St Lucia for the past eleven years, and its two-year programme has touched many youths and continues to do so.

The first-year Adolescent Development Programme, popularly known as the ADP, has given young people a sense of self-worth and self-esteem, which has been like a “second chance” for many of the trainees.

The second year of the training exposes the youths to a skill of their choice, and they have eight choices of skills.

C.A.R.E. boasts an 80% employment rate after the training and this is no mean achievement. But C.A.R.E. could never have done this alone. The business community of St Lucia has played a pivotal role in allowing the trainees to find gainful employment, and also facilitates a six-week Job Training Programme.

Brother Dominic Brunnock, FPM with group of boys

Seventy-eight businesses were recognised for their invaluable contribution towards the trainees achieving their goals. Framed certificates were presented to each business as a token of appreciation for their assistance.

The centre's Office Skills department printed the Certificates of Appreciation, the frames were made by the Carpentry/Joinery section, and the Catering department prepared the snacks.

C.A.R.E. also took the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of its staff. Each employee was presented with a lapel pin with the C.A.R.E. logo imprinted on it -- whether the employee had been with C.A.R.E. since its inception or was just in his/her first year with the organisation.

The evening culminated with the presentation of a plaque to C.A.R.E.'s founder, Br Dominic Brunnock, who recently retired as Executive Director of C.A.R.E. The standing ovation was a tribute to the tremendous contribution Br Dominic has made to the youth of St Lucia.

The St Lucia Government also recently recognised his contribution by presenting him with the Gold Medal of Honour.

Special mention must be made of the St Mary's Steel Band, which provided some very lively renditions. The tribute of a past trainee, Mrs Rufina Fredrick Stanio, touched everyone, while the Irish song performed by the school choir, in honour of Br Dominic, was indeed memorable.

C.A.R.E. is truly blessed.

Catholic Chronicle