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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Ascend-Mindanao skills training graduation held
THE Mindanao Business Council (MBC) conducted the graduation of some 211 Muslim out-of-school youth trainees of Midsayap and Datu Piang, North Cotabato last December 16, 2005 at the Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City.
MBC is the implementing organization of the youth productivity component of Assistance for the Comprehensive Educational Development of Mindanao (Ascend-Mindanao.
The graduates were products of four skills training and industry immersion (STII) namely Basic Cellphone Repair, Banana Cardava Planting and Handling, Meat Processing, and Baking and Small Engine Servicing.
MBC has commenced the STII Program in the municipalities of Midsayap and Datu Piang last April 2005.
The graduates have undergone trainings conducted by MBC and Tesda trainers.
After the training, they went into industry immersion hosted by MSK Motor Shop, Exodus Cycle Mart, Ride Gear, Emcor Marketing, Guillamac's Marketing, Honda Motor City, General Motor Shop, Zorayda Lim Asim and Cesar Pagabangan.
They were presented to the business community during the 4th Cotabato City Business Forum as venue for prospective employment and networking for the graduates.
The Muslim out-of-school youths come from the poorest, school-less and conflict-affected areas in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
They have been selected by their respective barangays and endorsed to MBC.
In an interview with some of the graduates conducted by MBC, the trainees were very grateful for this intervention as this gave them renewed hope of becoming productive and employed through the local chambers in their areas.
Dr. Thomas Kral, Education Director of the United States Assistance for International Development (Usaid) delivered his inspiration message to the graduates emphasizing on the three "Rs" to guide Usaid's response to the global workforce requirements in the 21st century--ready and adaptive workforce; Responsive institutions, and Real jobs.
Joe Agarano, program director of Save the Children, also graced the occasion and commended the Project Team and the graduates for this breakthrough intervention by the business community.
Emil Piansay, MBC Comptroller likewise exhorted the graduates to practice the three "Ts"--Tulong Sa Tao, Tiyaga, and Tipid--to be able to overcome challenges and obstacles in their endeavors.
The Ascend-Mindanao is a project under the Office of Education of Usaid to promote increased access to quality basic and non-formal educational opportunities for children and youths in Mindanao particularly those in the conflict areas and deprived of schools and economic activities.
It aims to promote educational innovations, options and approaches that are practical, culturally-sensitive, community-driven, replicable and sustainable.
Ascend-Mindanao also has on-going trainings in the four industries and seaweeds production in Talipao, Sulu and Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur and will soon conducted its graduation ceremonies.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (December 27, 2005 issue)
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