BPTT empowers Mayaro residents with problem solving skills

More than 20 people representing various organisations from Mayaro and environs recently participated in a two-day training workshop on problem-solving provided by energy company BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) at the Mayaro Resource Centre. A release from the energy company said the workshop was administered by Cross and Associates and the training focused on using approaches to problem solving and decision-making through the application of quantitative and qualitative methods. Since 2003, hundreds of residents representing dozens of nongovernmental and community-based organisations (NGOs/CBOs) from across the south-eastern region have participated in the free training workshops.  Facilitator Roxanne Douglas explained the premise of the workshops: “This training programme is very dynamic and caters to the evolving needs of these organisations. It is based on direct feedback and the organisations themselves provide an input into what area of training is offered. From the response thus far, and the increased success of the various community projects, it is clear to see that bpTT is making a huge difference.”

 

At least once monthly, a new topic is offered to the various organisation members, who are given a certificate of participation for each two-day workshop they attend. As an added benefit, the ongoing project has fostered increased networking between the organisations in implementing and managing community projects. Ronda Francis, corporate responsibility manager, bpTT, emphasised the importance of the capacity-building initiative. “These workshops provide diverse skills sets that empower these organisations to effect greater change in their communities. We recognise the importance of these grassroots organisations and bpTT will continue to provide them with opportunities to grow and flourish, and thereby transform Mayaro into the special community it promises to be.”