Supporting Today’s Community, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Servol Adolescent Development Programme

In 2007, we engaged in a partnership with Servol Limited (a faith-based NGO) to provide valuable life and social skills training to the youth in and around the community of Point Fortin based on feedback from community members and a survey conducted by the University of the West Indies. The Servol Adolescent Development Programme (ADP)provides training for 16-19 year old youths. This three and a half month program involves the development of academic and social aptitude related to social responsibility, self awareness and spirituality, as well as English, Math,
Health Education and other subject areas.

The Point Fortin Life Centre opened in January 2008 with 12 trainees undertaking the Adolescent Development Program (ADP). In 2008, 48 students have graduated from the ADP and have moved on to various skill areas such as Instrumentation, Computer Science, Catering, Welding and Compressor Mechanics. In 2009, The Point Fortin Life
Centre planned to offer skill training in Beauty Culture and Computer Literacy.

To support the programme, we provide facilities, seed funding for skills programmes and volunteer time from several Atlantic LNG employees as guest speakers. Atlantic LNG employees also participate in the governance of the Life Centre with members of the Point Fortin community through the local Board of the Point Fortin Life Centre.

Point Fortin’s Finest

To create successful leaders for tomorrow’s community, we believe it is important to establish strong educational building blocks and opportunities for employment. These concepts led us to develop the Point Fortin’s Finest programme in 2000. The programme provides an annual financial grant to the top ten Point Fortin students based on the Secondary Entrance Assessment examination; and a two week summer camp designed to develop their skills in team-building, management of peer pressure, public speaking, and career planning. We have also developed the World of Work Initiative in which we offer ‘on the job training’ for the Undergraduate and Upper Six Students enrolled in the programme. Financial support is provided to all of the students throughout their secondary education including two years in the sixth form. These students have a 100% pass rate on the CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) examinations. We have also provided grants to support tertiary education.

We now have 94 students participating in the programme and have graduated four participants at university level. A recent success story is that of Kristoff Rambert, who enrolled in the maritime programme at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and interned on an LNG vessel. This student is an example of Sustainability in practice.

Graduate Trainees in the Community

Atlantic LNG recruits recent university graduates to participate in a two year internship programme within the company. In 2008, as their project of choice, the Graduate Trainees organized an Educational and Career Guidance Fair to inspire and guide the youths of Point Fortin and environs seeking practical information and tools to chart
their careers.

The Career Fair was held in September 2008 and approximately 300 students from five secondary schools in the area attended. Feedback from the community indicated that the Career Fair was very well received and appreciated, and will undoubtedly benefit both students and Atlantic LNG. The Graduate Trainees also enjoyed the experience and there are plans in place to repeat this project in coming years.