POND ISLAND:--- The Capacity Building Program as initiated by Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs, within the Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labour in 2013 went through some meaningful restructuring and since 2015 has collaborated with the University of St. Martin, whereby accredited courses are given and specifically addressing the works carried out by St. Maarten’s NGOs and CCs.
CDFHA in collaboration with the University of St. Martin has remained committed and consistent in improving the individual as well as organizational performance of the NGOs and CCs, with the sole aim to collectively improve the services to clients, and as such, the St. Maarten Community remains the main beneficiary.
This new exalted level of the Capacity Building Program makes it possible that participants in this project, "Towards an Associate Degree in General Liberal Arts for St. Maarten NGO workers", consisting of 3 courses that are transferable to nine (9) academic degree credits, can move towards obtaining an Associate Degree In General Liberal Arts at the University of St. Martin.
8 participants representing, NIA Fnd., WIEMS, Cay Hill Community Council, Edu Care, Community Development, Tzu Chi Fnd., and St. Maarten Aglow Int’l completed the Intro. to Business Administration course and are highly commended for their hard work and perseverance.
Addressing the graduates and invitees during their Award Ceremony were Dr. Francio Guadeloupe (USM President), Ms. Aida Holaman (Dept. Hd. Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs), Mr. Omar Becerra (USM Instructor) and Mr. Errol Larmonie and Ms. Arleene Halley (outstanding participants).