Life
JAM | Jun 1, 2025

D&G Foundation champions soft skills training through ‘Learning for Life’ initiative

/ Our Today

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Celebrating progress: Dennis Beckford, accountant at D&G Foundation (far right), stands proudly with a diverse cohort of trainees at the close of the soft skills training seminar. The session was filled with engagement, which focused on practical skills, self-awareness, and the importance of community upliftment. Smiles and camaraderie reflected the energy and sense of accomplishment among participants, many of whom were first-time attendees of a structured personal development programme. (Photo: Contributed)

The Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to community upliftment through its Learning for Life programme.

The foundation hosted a dynamic soft skills training seminar at the Project STAR Centre in Clarendon, where 28 individuals gathered to participate in a day of practical learning and personal empowerment.

This training was specifically organised to equip participants with crucial employability and life skills, enhancing their ability to thrive in the workforce or start their own ventures. With a focus on areas such as merchandising, customer service, and bartending—among the most in-demand skills in the hospitality sector—the programme also emphasised foundational soft skills like budgeting and interpersonal communication. By blending technical training with personal development, the initiative helps participants transition confidently into the world of work.

Held in a vibrant and inclusive environment, the seminar brought together a diverse group of men and women who engaged in hands-on sessions, motivational talks, and collaborative discussions.

At the helm was Dennis Beckford, D&G Foundation’s accountant, who facilitated the training and provided expert guidance throughout the day.

The initiative is firmly rooted in the foundation’s mission of ‘Transforming lives, enriching communities‘, and reflects its ongoing dedication to empowering Jamaicans through education and skills development.

Here’s a visual recap of the day’s moments:

Led by Dennis Beckford, a room of eager learners listens intently during a session on financial responsibility, accountability, and planning. Through real-life examples and practical tools like budgeting and goal setting, the discussion encouraged reflection and action, embodying the foundation’s ‘Learning for Life’ ethos: building confident, self-sufficient individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society. (Photo: Contributed)
(Photo: Contributed)
Trainees aged 18 to 35 listen intently as the session explores financial literacy, time management, and employability skills. The atmosphere was one of focus and intent, creating a safe, respectful space for reflection, growth, and forward thinking. (Photo: Contributed)
Dennis Beckford (right) leans in attentively as he engages with a young woman expressing her aspirations during a breakout session. Around the table, other participants listen and take part in the dynamic exchange. This session emphasized communication, critical thinking, and personal goal-setting — core competencies in the foundation’s life-skills training model. (Photo: Contributed)

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