A Transformative Partnership: MIC-IT and St. Mary’s Children’s Home

The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) and St. Mary’s Children’s Home (SMCH) have forged a meaningful partnership that embodies community impact and hands-on learning. Through collaborative efforts, both institutions have not only enhanced facilities but also provided invaluable training opportunities for MIC-IT trainees.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

On September 26, 2022, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, a non-profit organisation, in Tacarigua. The MoU is aimed at establishing a partnership to facilitate training and certification for participants of both institutions utilizing a work-to-learn model.

At the signing, MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine remarked, “This MoU is a perfect example of a strategic partnership which would benefit both MIC-IT trainees and the residents of the Children’s Home, via training and certification. Manager of the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, Ms. Gwenyth Bleasdell, indicated that due to the age of the facility there is a number of planned refurbishment projects that would benefit MIC-IT’s ‘work to learn’ model of training. This way, the trainees can obtain ‘real work’ experiences.

Witnessing the signing were Chairman of the Board of Management, St. Mary’s Children Home, Ms. Lystra Gaskin; Ms. Rita Steele, Board member; Mr. Dominic Martin, Deputy Manager of the Home; as well as the MIC-IT’s Board members, Mr. Winston Boodoo, Mr. Wendell Yearwood; MIC-IT’s CEO Mr. Anil Ramnarine; General Manager, Training & Industry Division, Dr. Brian James and Assistant GM, Training, Mr. Nathan Langaigne.

The MIC-IT looks forward to collaborating with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home on future corporate social responsibility projects.

MIC-IT Renovates Welfare Building at St. Mary’s Children’s Home

The Welfare Building at St. Mary’s Children’s Home (SMCH) recently underwent a remarkable transformation, thanks to the skilled team at the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT). The Welfare building has been renovated to provide a safer and more comfortable space for the children. Located in Tacarigua, it was officially reopened on Wednesday, 17 January 2024.

The ceremony was brief yet impactful. Father Anderson Maxwell, Chairman, SMCH commended MIC-IT for its significant contribution to the refurbishment initiative.

MIC-IT’s Assistant General Manager, Candice Austin, highlighted the dual benefits achieved through this collaboration, “Not only did it result in facility upgrades for the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, but it also provided on-site training for the HYPE Laventille Trainees. The trainees took great pride in their hands-on learning experience, knowing that their work positively impacted all stakeholders at the home”.

Special recognition was given to the Staff and Trainees of MIC-IT for their professionalism throughout the project, with a special mention to Micree Murphy, Coordinator, HYPE Programme, MIC-IT Laventille, for his astute leadership and project management skills.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Father Maxwell and AGMT Candice Austin, the building was blessed by Reverend Hoyte, the in-house Chaplain for the home.

This is just one of many accomplishments from the MOU signed on September 26, 2022, between MIC-IT & SMCH. The MoU is aimed at establishing a partnership to facilitate training and certification for participants of both institutions utilising a work-to-learn mode.

MIC-IT continues to collaborate with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, with Trainees from the St. Bede Technology Centre’s Woodworking Apprenticeship Programme [WoodAP]. The Trainees are currently working on constructing cupboards for the Home’s Boy’s Dormitory with guidance and support from their Instructors Kevin Bertrand and Oronde Timothy who are overseeing this project, ensuring its successful completion.

MIC-IT is proud to make a positive difference in communities and hopes its efforts will make a significant impact on the children’s well-being and quality of life.

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