On November 8, 134 individuals celebrated their graduation from the Construction Technology Training programme, a collaborative initiative by Habitat for Humanity and Citibank. The ceremony took place at the JFK Auditorium on the University of the West Indies (UWI) campus in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. This programme equips participants with essential skills to construct buildings that can withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Mitchell De Silva, Citibank’s country officer, emphasized that the graduates are now equipped to not only safeguard their own homes but also contribute to the resilience of entire communities. The programme, funded through a global innovation challenge, focuses on blueprint reading, project management, concrete technology, and sustainable construction practices. Jamel Fraser, Habitat for Humanity’s programme manager, highlighted the importance of technology in modern construction, stating that the initiative teaches participants how to build resilient homes. Charlene Pedro, director of Habitat for Humanity, underscored the broader mission of the organization, which extends beyond housing to empower families with strength, stability, and self-reliance. Facilitator Wayne Benjamin, who has been with the organization for 21 years, expressed his joy in witnessing the graduates’ achievements and called for more volunteers to assist in building homes for the homeless. This programme marks a significant step toward enhancing community resilience and creating sustainable livelihoods in Trinidad and Tobago.
