Sophia Residents Engaged in Employment Opportunities

Residents of Sophia were recently introduced to new employment and skills training opportunities through the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP).

This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Water, aims to boost economic growth in vulnerable communities by providing sustainable job opportunities.

The engagement was led by Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water, alongside CH&PA’s Deputy Director of Community Development, Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom, and Engineer Mr. Jamal Brotherson.

The event took place at the ‘B’ Field Community Centre Ground, where residents learned about the potential benefits of the CESP program.

Launched in 2021 and conceptualized by President Irfaan Ali, CESP offers participants the chance to produce blocks for the national housing drive.

Minister Rodrigues explained that the program provides start-up packages, comprehensive training, and marketing support to help groups succeed in the early stages of block production.

She highlighted the success of various groups, such as the North Ruimveldt Parent Support Group, which includes members living with disabilities, and the Leopold Street Inc group, which has progressed from block-making to contracting for home construction.

The program’s transformative impact was emphasized, with numerous Sophia residents expressing interest in participating. As a result, two groups from different sections of the community have been proposed for inclusion in the program. The Ministry of Housing and Water will review these proposals to determine the best course of action to support the community’s growth and development.