Passport2Success Graduates 38th Cohort

The Passport2Success (P2P) programme hosted a graduation for its 38th cohort at the George Town Yacht Club on Friday, 29th September.

16 more young Caymanians have now been equipped with the skills to secure employment and make their way into the job market.

A contingent of Government officials, as well as parents, teachers and members of the business community were in attendance to wish the youngsters well and offer them words of encouragement, as the embark on a new chapter in their lives.

During his remarks, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Border Control and Labor, Mr. Wesley Howell told the group of 16 to 22 year-olds that as a father of two teenage boys, he was aware of what they faced as young persons in today’s Cayman and the world at large.

He said that Passport2Success was one of the programmes that the government has had a strong commitment to supporting and explained that there is nothing better than on-the-job experience. 

“Your past and where you come from doesn’t define you and the right attitude and approach is just as important as having an education,” he explained, adding that the choices the youngsters make now will be crucial in determining their future.

Mr. Howell said it was great to see the development in each cohort of Passport2Success since its inception and praised the journey of the young persons whom have done their part to dispel the myth of Caymanians are not hard workers, who are determined to compete in the workplace.

He said he wished for the graduates the same success that he did for his own children and noted that 95 percent of the 2022 graduating class of P2P had secured employment.

“We have made it a priority to keep this programme funded,” he remarked.

Passport2Success is a private public partnership that involves the Wellness Center and Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC).

Director of WORK, Mr. Jeremy Scott said it was important for our young people to understand who we are as Caymanians and that success was not something that just appears, but rather something that must be achieved.

He also praised the willingness and commitment of the young people to equip themselves with the tools for successful time of employment and the beginning of a new chapter.

“Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise,” he said, quoting the words of Winston Churchill:

“Success is not final, failure is not final but it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Participants in the Passport2Sucess programme spend 12 weeks developing their communication, social skills and problem solving among the essential skills needed in the workplace.

Instructor Fortunate Munhuweyi said this was her 5th cohort and noted that though this was among the youngest cohort of the 5 she has been involved, the group exhibited maturity beyond their years.

“They were the embodiment of Caymankind  and showed support for one another, quickly learning each others strengths and weaknesses and helping each other out along the way.”

P2P Instructor Lauren Williams, herself a young Caymanian, who was scouted by the Director of the Wellness Center to be an instructor of the programme said she observed and eagerness to grow and learn in the youngsters and praised them for sticking with the programme for the entire 12 weeks.

“Support is necessary to get our young people into different circumstances. It’s not just the instructors, but also the businesses that allow the participants of the programme to apprentice and so it’s really a community effort.”

Voctoria Kohler of the Red Cross noted that she was pleased with the P2P participant who was a great addition to the family of the Red Cross and looked forward to their continued contribution to the Red Cross organisation.