Les and I just arrived home from the Dominican getting our plans and projects in place to mobilize our 2017 Team for the first week of May. All I can say is, "Expect the UnExpected"
The needs in Dominican abound and the poverty level varies from area to area. In some areas the unemployment is 70% which is unbelievable. The question has always lingered in the back of mind as to how to make a long term difference in as many lives as possible.
Handing out food and shelter under severe conditions is important but equally important is the need to provide long lasting solutions. Our long time friend and associate Rene' introduced us to a gentlemen whose name is, 'Fredy."
I asked Fredy what is the greatest need you see in your area of influence. Without hesitation he replied, " Education." We pondered over different educational needs and through the long discourse we discovered that there was a 70% unemployment rate in the communities Fredy worked with.
What if we could come up with a vocational training environment that would result in job creation and even job placement? How would that impact the lives of people in his community?
Well within 5 days the creation of The "FIRST STEP" vocational training center was formed resulting in a very specific niche in the hospitality sector. 80% of the Puerto Plata area is dependent on tourism as their economic hub.
The doors flung open to provide the facilities, the instructors, government certification, and here is the really awesome part. We have connected with operational managers and HR departments in the hospitality field who will provide job placement for those who complete our 3 month training program giving individuals an additional 3 month internships.
This is huge because training without job placement just means an education. An education alone won't pay your bills or provide for your basic needs. An education combined with an employment opportunity changes everything. An education with real life work experience leverages your opportunity to create jobs and become employable.
Everything is in place and as we speak the first round of students are filling out applications and going through the screening process. We should have 20 to 25 students ready to start on or near January 8th, 2017.
We are looking for sponsorships... $50 a month per student will cover all the necessary essentials for these students to complete 3 months of in-house training and 3 months of practical live experience.
We chose the hospitality sector for a number of reasons...
1: Rene' is a certified chef.. and teaching the students food preparation, food presentation, and food safety is a must. So a Culinary School will be our first group of students and we will expand over the coming year to other areas of hospitality services.
2. The Hospitality Sector is the biggest form of employment opportunity.
3. We have commitments from the local resorts for apprenticeships and job placement after their training is complete.
To say we are excited is an understatement. Of course this cannot be accomplished without your help. Please consider partnering with us and sponsoring students who are desperate and passionate for a life changing employment opportunity.
Our next team project is scheduled for April 28 till May 7th. If you want to partner with us to create new friendships and life time memories while changing lives then contact me for further details.
As of the first week in Jan 2017 we will officially begin, the "FIRST STEP" vocational training center.
Post written by John F...
