The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus has celebrated a decade of preparing young people for the world of work, recognizing 149 students who completed its “Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges – Transforming Children’s Lives” (PTFTC-TCL) Alumni Outreach Programme during the 2025/2026 academic year.
According to a UWI press release, the milestone was marked during the programme’s 10th Recognition Ceremony, hosted by the UWI Global Campus Alumni Office in partnership with the Sandals Foundation at the Sandals Royal Ballroom in Barbados.
The six-month programme was launched in 2015 after teacher Faith Richards observed that many students lacked the employability and life skills needed to transition successfully into the workforce. In response, Sandra Griffith-Carrington designed the original curriculum, which introduced students to topics including professional presentation, effective communication, teleconferencing, conflict resolution, etiquette, résumé writing and interview preparation.
Over the years, the programme has expanded to include additional modules on social media, wardrobe management and personal financial literacy, giving students a broader range of practical life and workplace skills.
With support from Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation and Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, the initiative has now expanded to 16 of the country’s 22 secondary schools. Four schools—Daryll Jordan Secondary School, Deighton Griffith School, St. Leonard’s Boys’ School and The Lodge School—joined the programme this academic year.
According to the university, more than 1,800 students have completed the programme over the past decade.
The release said that former participants also reflected on the programme’s impact during the ceremony. Breanne Nanton, a member of the inaugural cohort who now works as a Financial Services Representative at the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, said the programme helped prepare her for both university and the workplace.
Another graduate, Joshua Harewood, from the 2016/2017 cohort, said the confidence, communication and adaptability skills he developed through the programme continue to benefit him nearly ten years later.
The programme’s continued growth has been supported by several partners. Initial sponsor Dr. Arvat McClaine continues to provide stipends for top-performing students completing month-long internships at the UWI Global Campus. More recently, the Sandals Foundation, together with Rock-Hard Cement, has contributed more than US$65,000 to support the programme’s expansion. This year, 39 students will participate in internship placements with partner organizations.
Representing the Sandals Foundation, Patrick Drake, Resort Manager at Sandals Barbados Resort and Spa, encouraged graduates to continue developing communication and negotiation skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. He also reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the region’s future leaders.
During the ceremony, Drake presented the Sandals Foundation Challenge Trophy for Best Michaelmas Assignment to The St. Michael School, whose students delivered the top group presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in schools.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Global Campus, encouraged students to view dignity as an investment, comparing it to saving money for the future. He urged graduates to conduct themselves with integrity throughout their careers, concluding that, “dignity must be earned, like honest money.”
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman, Acting Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles praised the programme for supporting the ministry’s goal of developing well-rounded students.
Addressing the graduates, she reminded them, “academic qualifications alone are no longer enough. The skills you have developed through this programme will enable you to navigate challenges with confidence and contribute meaningfully to your workplaces and communities”.
UWI said the ceremony also featured an announcement by Akil Thompson, Senior Technical Officer at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, who revealed that beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year, programme participants will be eligible to earn Core Skills certifications, qualifications that are recognized throughout the Caribbean and expected to strengthen graduates’ employment prospects.
Reportedly, awards were also presented to outstanding students. Nathan Sealy of Deighton Griffith Secondary School received the inaugural Sinnette-Nguyen Challenge Trophy for the Most Outstanding Student with Exceptionalities, sponsored by Tisha Sinnette-Nguyen and John Nguyen of Massachusetts.
Princess Margaret Secondary School claimed the programme’s top honours, with Tenisha David receiving the Arvat McClaine Challenge Trophy for Most Outstanding Student Overall, while Dashaun Bynoe was recognized as Most Outstanding Male. Principal Veronica Annel-Agard praised the students’ achievements, saying, “We are immensely proud of our students for capturing the top awards at the PTFTC-TCL Recognition Ceremony. Their success is a testament to their talent, dedication, resilience, and the work of the school’s facilitator, Major Len Cummins.”
Closing the ceremony, Griffith-Carrington reflected on the programme’s latest milestone—its recognition as a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).
“I stand humbled today, knowing that what I carefully designed and crafted ten years ago will now be recognised as a Caribbean Vocational Qualification. This is more than a certificate; it is a bridge across our islands, a standard that validates skills and opens doors for our people.”
