A landmark achievement was celebrated as three young individuals, once labelled as at-risk, graduated from the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC) under the transformative Elevate Programme. The initiative, designed to empower disenfranchised youth, showcased its profound impact through the success stories of these graduates, inspiring hope and resilience across the Federation.
Turning Lives Around: Meet the Graduates
Each graduate’s story communicates their perseverance and the Elevate Programme’s commitment to creating opportunities:
- Quake Phillip honed his skills in general construction and carpentry. Once described as distracted and directionless, Phillip found purpose and stability through the structured guidance of the programme.
- Davincia Francis and Amorelle Nisbett excelled in management studies, demonstrating exceptional capabilities during on-the-job training with a major insurance company. Praised by their employer for their punctuality, teamwork, and productivity, these young women exemplify the transformative potential of the Elevate Programme.
A Comprehensive Approach to Empowerment
The Elevate Programme is more than a training initiative; it is a holistic intervention aimed at addressing the root causes of socio-economic disenfranchisement. By partnering with key institutions such as AVEC, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, and the TVET Council, the programme equips participants with industry-recognised certifications and skills essential for employment.
Its outreach extends to incarcerated individuals, offering vocational training and entrepreneurial skills to facilitate their reintegration into society. This dual focus on personal and professional development ensures long-term benefits for participants and their communities.
“The ultimate aim of Elevate is to guide participants toward sustainable self-sufficiency by equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to rebuild their lives,” said Major Kayode Sutton, former Director of the Elevate Programme.
Fostering Growth Through Innovation
The programme’s second phase, Elevate Through Entrepreneurship (ETE), connects participants with on-the-job training and entrepreneurial opportunities, forging partnerships with private and public sector organisations. Collaborations with international entities like USAID underscore the programme’s commitment to reducing crime by addressing its underlying causes.
“Rehabilitation provides individuals with an alternative path to growth and development,” Major Sutton explained. “With guidance, mentorship, and tangible opportunities, we see remarkable transformations that benefit not only the participants but society as a whole.”
A Vision for Inclusivity and Security
The Elevate Programme aligns with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizen Security Agenda, reflecting a broader vision for inclusivity and community safety. By addressing socio-economic barriers that often lead to disenfranchisement, the programme creates pathways for participants to become valuable contributors to national development.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew commended the initiative’s success: “Our government is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their past. Programmes like Elevate demonstrate how we can build a safer, more sustainable future for all citizens.”
Shaping Futures, Transforming Lives
Through its innovative approach and impactful outcomes, the Elevate Programme has become a cornerstone of social transformation in St. Kitts and Nevis. By providing tools for personal growth and professional development, the initiative continues to empower individuals to rewrite their narratives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In a nation committed to inclusivity and resilience, the success of these graduates is a powerful reminder: every life, when given the right opportunity, can be a force for positive change.
Photo: Major Kayode Sutton (centre) celebrates with two of the successful graduates.
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