BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann — Hundreds of persons spanning different age groups graduated from the Dr Dayton Campbell Second Chance Initiative Programme last Wednesday at a ceremony held at the St Hilda’s High School here.

The 574 persons completed skills training in various areas. Some were also given the opportunity to sit examinations in Mathematics, English Language and Principles of Business in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council with many doing well, Dr Campbell told those attending the graduation ceremony.

He pointed out that a number of the students who sat the much feared Mathematics passed the subject.

While hundreds are being helped, Dr Campbell said he intends to extend the programme to include others.

“There are some who have not fitted into the current programmes,” adding that there are plans to assist persons who may not have attained a certain level of education and so are unable to take part in the current available programmes.

Dr Campbell said there will be classes to bring these persons up to the grade nine level “so no one will be left behind”.

The majority of the areas that persons are trained in are directly linked to the hotel industry, Dr Campbell said.

While persons have been trained to do various things, Dr Campbell told the graduates that although they are now skilled, self- presentation is important in securing employment.

“You have to present yourself properly so that people will want to employ you,” he stated.

Dr Campbell also pointed out that the programme is not as a result of upcoming elections, but is an ongoing effort with Wednesday’s graduation, the second in as many years. The Member of Parliament for North West St Ann said that another batch of students will begin training later this month. Skills training will be available in nine skill areas across several locations in the constituency.

Dr Campbell said he has placed emphasis on education because he sees it as a redemptive tool.

Guest speaker at the event Dr Omar Hawthorne congratulated the MP for continuing the programme.

“I want to commend you for sticking to what you have started,” she said.

Dr Campbell also awarded scholarships to the top GSAT students from all schools in his constituency. He also awarded the top high school students and the top high school students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education from the high schools in the constituency.