May 27, 2022

Launch Of The Harrison Centre Antigua And Barbuda Institute Of Continuing Education

Harrison Foundation trustee David Harrison and Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the redevelopment of the current Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE).

The Harrison Foundation’s centre in Antigua and Barbuda will be first overseas Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, when it opens later this year.

The Harrison Foundation works with hundreds of young people in the UK to provide the tuition and training they need to help them grow in confidence and secure a job. It also supports a growing number of charities and organisations that work to tackle low social mobility by working with young people and connecting them up to employment.

The ABICE was formed out of the amalgamation of three social programmes in 2007. It is focused on providing Technical and Vocational Education Programmes that give students a second chance as well as lifelong learning opportunities. The financial injection from the Harrison Centre will result in a model facility for technical and vocational training that will nurture the development of critical skills in Antigua and Barbuda at world class standards.

Prime Minister Browne expressed appreciation to David Harrison and the Harrison Foundation for his significant and timely support to the educational development of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister said, “The education landscape in Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing a period of significant and strategic growth. The development of The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, the work to complete the Sir Novelle Richards Secondary and now this investment in ABICE, point to a country which is rapidly and dynamically situating itself as a Caribbean hub for academic, technical and vocational training. The Government is committed to taking those bold and visionary steps needed to build our human capacity and in so doing expand our economic prospects”.

David Harrison expressed his delight in seeing the expansion of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility into Antigua and Barbuda, a country he regards as his second home. He said: “I am delighted with this partnership between the Harrison Foundation and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda that will lead to the first overseas Harrison Centre for Social Mobility.

“Through our work in the UK, we are lifting young people’s sights and aspirations as well as connecting them up with employment opportunities because that is how to improve social mobility. It’s a model that works and I’m excited to bring it to Antigua and Barbuda, a beautiful country with great people and through this partnership, a leader in social mobility.”

The Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education and Sports, spoke of the importance of social mobility that lies at the heart of the Harrison Centre’s philosophy.  The Minister explained that “we are not only setting up a new facility. We are endorsing a Caribbean youth pledge under which businesses will be invited to become partners with the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda Institute for Continuing Education. Thus, as well as acquiring skills at the Centre, students will be connected with job opportunities in our private sector and have a clearly defined pathway into employment”.