By S.Browne. Updated 11:14 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
From mechanics and woodwork to chocolate making and fish processing, form two students at the Girls’ High School showcased a diverse range of practical skills on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, during a display fair marking the conclusion of the institution’s third annual Girls’ Empowerment Skills Programme at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.
The six-week programme exposed students to hands-on learning opportunities in ten skill areas, including basic bag making, mechanics, snacks, woodwork, chocolate making, event planning, hair braiding, fish processing and preservation, nail technology, and customised tumbler printing.
Programme Coordinator Morol Williams said the initiative was founded to empower young women, build confidence and equip them with practical skills that create opportunities beyond the classroom.
“We believe that learning a skill is more than just a pathway to earning. It is a foundation for independence, resilience and creativity,” Williams told attendees during the closing ceremony.
Now in its third year, the programme continues to provide form two students with opportunities to develop practical competencies while maintaining a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
“At the same time, we remain committed to balancing these skills with academic excellence, ensuring our girls excel both in the classroom and in life,” Williams said.
Williams noted that organisers feared the programme might come to an end following its second year. However, support from parents, facilitators, school leadership and sponsors helped ensure its continuation.
Among those recognised for their support was Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation Natalia Gill, who praised the programme’s focus on practical learning.
“This initiative demonstrates the importance of complementing an academic education with hands-on practical learning opportunities to help our young people develop confidence, creativity and career-ready skills,” Gill said.
She added that technical and vocational education creates opportunities for students whose strengths may not be expressed solely through traditional academic subjects.
“The success of this programme demonstrates the value of creating spaces where young women can learn by doing, build confidence in their abilities and broaden their horizons beyond the classroom,” she said.
Minister of Youth, Sport, Culture and Creative Industries Hon. Kaschaka Cupid also commended the initiative and encouraged students to continue developing their talents alongside their academic pursuits.
“It is all good to focus on your academics as young girls; however, it is even better to complement your academics with skills training and development,” Cupid said.
During the ceremony, students reflected on their experiences in the various skill areas, explaining how they learned everything from changing tyres and scanning vehicles for mechanical issues to sewing bags, preparing snacks, braiding hair and designing customised tumblers.
“We learned a lot of new skills during the Girls’ Empowerment Skills Programme,” students said during a presentation. “These are precious skills, and we had lots of fun while learning.”
Students also expressed appreciation to facilitators, teachers and parents for supporting the initiative and helping them develop new skills and confidence.
The display fair featured a range of products created by the students, including snacks, tumblers and other handcrafted items, highlighting the practical outcomes of six weeks of training, creativity and teamwork.
The programme was supported this year by the Mustique Charitable Foundation and formed part of the school’s continued efforts to provide students with opportunities for personal growth alongside academic development.
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