Seventy-six-year-old Madge Shields is the beneficiary of a newly renovated one-bedroom home from the HEART/NSTA Trust.

The unit, which includes a bathroom, kitchen and living room, was handed over during a ceremony held on Thursday (August 8) at Smith Lane in Woodford Park, St Andrew.

It was completed under the entity’s National Development Project, which is part of the ‘TVET in Motion’ programme and aimed to improve the safety and well-being of Shields and her family.

The approximately J$4 million housing project was undertaken by HEART/NSTA trainees and involved completing and correcting critical areas of the original unfinished concrete structure.

Among the scope of works were roughcasting and rendering of the exterior and front walls, installation of electrical wiring and plumbing fittings and fixtures, building of roof and ceiling, installation of flooring, completion of tiling, installation of doors and windows, construction of a wall at the front of the building, and painting.

HEART/NSTA Trust managing director Dr Taneisha Ingleton said the project demonstrates the agency’s ability to respond to the real-world needs of society while carrying out its corporate social responsibility.

“The trust is not only about training and building competencies. We also look at what is happening in society, and we ensure that the work that we are doing is aligned with the national vision, and that is why we are proud to be handing over this house to Miss Shields,” she said.

Ingleton noted that the project, which involves building and renovating homes for needy persons across the agency’s six regions, also responds to the need to provide hands-on experience for trainees who are preparing to enter the workforce.

“We utilise the skills and competencies of the trainees to improve the home or to build homes from the ground up for individuals who need them,” she pointed out.

Shields, in her response, expressed gratitude to the HEART/NSTA Trust, noting that the quality of life for herself and her family has greatly improved.

“Thanks to all the trainees and HEART officials who made this possible. I am thankful and grateful to everybody who came together to provide a home for me and my family,” she said.

The project engaged trainees in general construction, welding, interior decorating, and electrical installation under the guidance of skilled HEART/NSTA Trust instructors.

This hands-on project served as an assessment model, as well as a community service initiative promoting volunteerism and skills development.