April 19, 2023

VIP visit as building work on Harrison Centre Antigua nears completion

Building work on the new Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Antigua is entering its final phase and founder Sir David Harrison visited the site this week with the Antiguan Prime Minister.

The multi million pound Harrison Foundation project will see the creation of the first Harrison Centre based outside of the UK when it opens in July.

The new centre will provide a first class modern learning facility for people across Antigua and Barbuda, as well as further afield, to acquire the skills they will need to secure employment.

Learners will be able to gain skills in a range of disciplines needed by local businesses including carpentry, welding, automotive, music production as well as many others.

During his visit, accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, the honourable Gaston Browne and Minister of Education, the honourable Daryll Matthew, Sir David Harrison said: “This is going to be a landmark facility for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and beyond. It is exactly what the Harrison Foundation is all about – giving people the skills they need and connecting them up with employers so that they can secure a job, which is the greatest driver of social mobility.

“The construction team has done an outstanding job and I’m grateful to them and also to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education and the Board of Education for their support with this project. I very much look forward to returning in a few months time to officially open the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda.”

Since 2017, the Harrison Foundation has created five other Harrison Centres for Social Mobility in the United Kingdom, based in Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington, Blyth, and online throughout the UK with the Open University.