WESTERN BUREAU — The Hanover Education Institute, which said it would be equipping residents of the western parish for the work environment, started classes yesterday evening with 15 students.

The project is the brainchild of Angela Haye, a 39-year-old returning resident from the United States, who wanted to give back to the community.

“The Hanover Education Institute is an institution that is geared towards bridging the gap between the work and school environment,” Haye, executive director of the institute, said.

“I feel that it is needed here in Hanover. We have several all age schools, and high schools and we feel we can meet the needs of those people… We are not just focusing on academics. We are focussing on the development of the human being.”

Since they did the business plan for the institute over six months ago, Haye and fellow Hanoverian, Stephen Bell have been aggressively marketing their idea, which has reached fruition.

The institute was established at a cost of $250,000 and is located inside unit number 6 of the two-storey building along Watson Taylor Drive in Lucea.

“We have been working vigorously. We are on the streets every day. We’ve hit Lucea. We’ve hit Westmoreland and the Negril end, especially the hotels and some of the other businesses. We want to let them know we are here and the support has been tremendous,” Haye told the Observer.

Already some of those hotels have indicated they would send their employees there to be trained while people like Lucea’s deputy mayor, Ralston Anson, have pledged their long-term support.

Ann Williams, public relations manager at Beaches Sandy Bay, confirmed that her hotel was interested in sending their employees there.

“I think given that you have employees that have potential but they are not well rounded, this (institution) is one good way that this can be brought out… You are going to have people who have gaps and they need the assistance to round it off a little bit so they can be placed in better positions…” she told the Observer.

Beaches, Sandy Bay was among the over 12 sponsors, including Air Jamaica and businesses inside the parish, that sponsored the August 21 official opening of the institute.

Anson, who is also the People’s National Party candidate for Western Hanover, also the lauded the Institute.

“I have taken great interest in that institution and I want to give it my support. It is coming at a time that is very crucial, when there are so many (high school) drop-outs, especially the girls,” he said.

“They get pregnant and they feel there is no other hope for them… They can get to that school and complete their exam without feeling inferior or that what has happened to them (cannot) happen to anybody else…”

Added Anson: “I want to really encourage the teachers and Miss Belle and Miss Haye and tell them how much we appreciate it coming at this time.”

The institute will be manned by Haye as the executive director, Bell as the administrator and a complement of 10 part-time teachers and a full-time (computer) teacher.

The institute is offering four flexible packages to prospective students:

* General Studies — CXC/GCE in mathematics, English Language, English Literature, principles of accounts, principles of business, basic computer skills, and personal development;

* Business Education — mathematics, office procedures, principles of business, English Language, basic computer skills, and personal development;

* Computer Studies — information technology (to CXC level), Microsoft Office, and

* Enrichment (remedial) classes — English Language, mathematics, reading and personal development.

“When (students) leave here, (they) should be able to go into the work environment and be productive. Or, if they wish “That is why we are emphasising personal development — dressing, interviewing, public speaking, even know how to eat with a knife and fork. We will be taking them out to a fine dining establishment to let them see how you operate in that environment,” said Haye.

Said Haye: “We know the tuition alone will not be able to carry us. So we are planning to do fundraisers, at least one per term. We are also going to be operating a little tuck shop and the computer studies will be a big part of generating money because we know it is in demand,” she said.

In addition, she said they would continue their marketing initiatives to increase the student population. “We are going to be talking to the schools… putting ads out and trying to get in on whatever programme we can get in… And most importantly, keep our operations at a level where it is quality…” she said.