Alpha Institute student tops City and Guilds mathematics in Jamaica

Encouraging young people to believe in themselves and find their own voice is important. For 17-year-old Dennis Morgan, a student at the Alpha Institute, the support he has received from the institution has given him a second chance to become a productive member of society.

Morgan, who is enrolled in the institution's woodwork programme, was the top-performing City and Guilds student for mathematics in Jamaica. He attained level two for the subject at the 2017 sitting, and was recognised during the presentation of the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) awards held recently at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

Significant award

"This award means a lot to me. I like where I am and what I am doing. I still have the opportunity to excel and become something better in life," Morgan said.

Morgan said that he was enjoying his time at the Alpha Institute and has plans to work in the construction industry. "I like bringing things to life and being creative. I am working hard and learning about making furniture for different industries and creating different styles," Morgan said.

The second-year student is learning the basic skills of carpentry and creating products. According to Charles Arumaiselvam, development officer, Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica, students are being given the opportunity to learn a skill that will prepare them for the world of work.

"We prepare the students for the three levels of City and Guilds, and the woodwork programme is based on the HEART Trust/NTA curriculum.

The programme is for two years, and after that, they go on internship and job placement," Arumaiselvam said.

"They learn how to make Alpha signature products, including pens that are made from blue mahoe and cedar. They also learn to make an assortment of products including place mats, cutting boards, and different types of photo frames," he added.