Sandals gives Jabez House $32 000 for digital training

Women served at Jabez House are set to benefit from critical computer skills training following a donation of just over US $16,000 by the Sandals Foundation.

Jabez House’s new Digital Empowerment Initiative is now set to enroll participants following funding from the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International which has covered the acquisition of 12 laptops, three digital tablets, and fees for tutors.

The foundation’s support also assists with administrative needs of the training programme.“Developing competence in digital literacy provides new opportunities,” said Shamelle Rice, founder and director of Jabez House.

“Many of the ladies have cellphones and tablets, but no real training or exposure to information technology, computer use, or how they can maximise on the digital space – especially for business purposes.

Skills in these areas can help them leverage opportunities, empowering them to open doors of alternate revenue streams,” she added.

The programme will introduce students to Google Suites, Basic English language with Microsoft Office, as well as Microsoft Office for Business.

It will also explore ways to monetise social media, digital production creation and social media for entrepreneurs and business such as page creation, management and advertising.

In presenting the learning resources, David Hinds, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Royal Barbados, reinforced the commitment of the Sandals Foundation to support programmes that empower the community’s marginalised.

“Empowering women, empowers families, communities and by extension, nations. We are immensely grateful to the Jabez House team and their efforts in helping their beneficiaries develop the confidence needed to aspire and reach their highest potential.

In today’s digital society, the world is literally at our fingertips. We consider it our duty to support this digital training programme to help more women develop the competence to thrive,” said Hinds.

Through its Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) programme, the Sandals Foundation has supported numerous initiatives of Jabez House, touching the lives of more than 100 women.

Areas of collaboration include an agricultural skills training programme, the 2018 Go Getter Initiative which provided vocational training inclusive of hairdressing, makeup artistry, cakes and pastry-making as well as information technology for business and business etiquette. The organisations have also partnered on Jabez House’s annual Feed A Family Food Drive and outreach.

Women’s equality and empowerment is goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) towards achieving an inclusive world by 2030. It is also viewed as a critical milestone in achieving all other SDG targets. (PR)