More than 20 young Civilian Conservation Corps junior trainees from across T&T are benefitting from a mathematics training workshop sponsored by energy company BP Trinidad and Tobago.
Conducted at the Beetham Gardens CCC Headquarters during the July-August period, the "Adult Mathematics Experience" training sessions are facilitated by training agency Cross and Associates. This initiative represents the third straight year of collaboration between the CCC and bpTT.A release from bpTT said Rhonda Francis, corporate responsibility manager, bpTT, explained the vision behind the initiative: "A major part of our corporate aspiration is to actively participate in the development of the country and we achieve this by partnering with progressive organisations like the CCC. Nationally, bpTT invests in programmes covering academics, sport, art, culture and music and much of our focus is on young people. We give them opportunities to grow and progress because we believe their energy will fuel the future development of our nation."
The objective of the Civilian Conservation Corps is to help prepare young adults for a productive life through practical job skills training combined with exercises and experiences that promote positive changes in attitude and behaviour. The participants taking part in the workshop are all Assistant Team Commanders (ATCs) who have completed their initial training and now function to guide new entrants.Giving testament to benefits of the training was Kareem Morris who is attached to the South-Central Region: "As an ATC I place great importance on my role as a teacher to young people, just as I was taught when I entered the CCC. This mathematics camp was both educational and inspirational because the tutor covered many topics and made them all practical and relevant to everyday life. Many of the people in my region need help with maths and the more I know, the better able I am to help them improve. Overall this training has made me a better math student and a better teacher as well."
The training comprises a complete re-introduction to fundamental mathematics principles, including percentages, number systems, decimals, algebra and consumer arithmetic. The content is delivered through a combination of theoretical lessons and practical applications where the trainees are given real-life examples of the mathematical principles learnt.According to Cross and Associates' senior lecturer Roxanne Douglas: "The adult mathematics experience serves to give the participants a foundation in mathematics, and more importantly, to give them renewed confidence in this particular subject. This training really is a stepping stone in motivating them to explore and realise their full potential and enjoy the success that comes with achievement."
Jovianne DeBique related the impact of the training: "I decided to take full advantage of this opportunity presented by the CCC and bpTT, and in one week with Ms Douglas, I learnt more than I did in an entire term while in school. This experience has given me new confidence and a proper foundation because I intend to re-attempt CXC mathematics and I know that I will be successful."