Pinelands Creative Workshop and SJPI team up to deliver community-based programmes

By Shamar Blunt 

The Pinelands Creative Workshop has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, aimed at expanding educational opportunities in several communities around the island to assist marginalised youth.

CEO of the group Sophia Greaves, told the media during the signing on Wednesday that the relationship between the two organisations has been long-established, adding “We have been finally able to establish a more tangible relationship.”

She explained: “We would have worked with the school in terms of our sound technology programme about five years ago as one of the key pieces of work that we would have started. I think that was the birthing point of what we could do together as an organisation, to do some of these training opportunities closer to young people who we would consider marginalised.”

Greaves said that though firm details have not yet been outlined, the aim is to provide several satellite training programmes around the island, particularly in areas of information technology.

“The SJPI curriculum is extensive, and through this partnership we will start to explore those we can pursue as satellite training programmes. Our initial conversation was looking at ICT; considering, coming out of COVID, the value of technology and the emerging opportunities. That was our first discussion.

“We have some upcoming discussions to really fine-tune what it is that we will be delivering not only in the Pine community, but we have collaborations with Haynesville and other communities across the island. That is something that we are hoping to see various tentacles being established in those communities that need access.” 

Principal of the SJPI Ian Drakes, also expressed his delight at the signing of the new MOU, saying it was a long time in coming.

“These are exciting times. At the SJPI it continues to be exciting and very productive for the youth of this country. We are very enthused and really want to welcome the team from the Pinelands Creative Workshop this morning in terms of this long discussion we have been having, and putting pen to paper.” shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb