COB’s L.I.F.T Foundation partners with Challenor Creative Arts Centre

With the aim of empowering persons in the Differently Abled Community, the L.I.F.T Foundation—the charitable arm of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union (COB) — has partnered with the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre (CCATC) to provide vital vocational training opportunities for students.

The initiative was announced on Friday, following a monthlong collaboration in which the centre’s Food Prep Department utilised COB’s branches to sell goods prepared by its students.

Kathy Ann Scott, programme manager at the L.I.F.T Foundation, spoke about the charity’s ongoing efforts to support the differently abled community.

“At the L.I.F.T Foundation and COB, we believe that the differently abled community should have an environment where they are allowed to thrive, be the best version of themselves, and live independent lives if they so wish,” she said.
Scott revealed that the foundation’s effort also encompassed a commitment to providing opportunities beyond the traditional academic route: “We have invested $30 000 for vocational training and development in the sports economy because we recognise that not all students are academically inclined, but they can still make a significant contribution to society and earn a living.”

The Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre serves both school-age children and adults with special educational needs.

The centre’s adult training facility offers four key departments: food preparation, agriculture, sewing and craft, and woodworking. The goal of these programmes is not only to teach valuable skills but also to help participants achieve a sense of independence and contribute to their communities.

Janelle Corbin, the CCATC’s acting deputy principal, spoke about the importance of the collaboration with COB.

“The idea is to teach them a skill, not just for home use but to empower them to go out into the community and contribute meaningfully,” she explained. “Through our partnership with COB, particularly in the food preparation department, we are giving these adults the opportunity to gain real-world experience and the skills they need to succeed.”
The L.I.F.T Foundation manages the Adrian Griffith Member Assistance Fund, which, Scott said, is a benevolent fund that assists members who have fallen upon difficult times.

It also manages the COB Maxine McClean Care Scholarship Programme which, to date, has given close to $2 million in grants and scholarships to members of the COB.
(BT)