Promoting a programme to create young Bahamian entrepreneurs, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) announced plans Sunday for its upcoming 10-day handicraft summer course for high school students.
Crafted for children from the ages of eight and up, the programme will begin July 11 and features handicraft training in knitting, crocheting, beading and plastic canvassing, all targeted for young children to develop new skills.
Known in the past as a staw-vendor and shell-craft programme for adults, leaders of BAIC said that the new summer course will take a different approach.
"Normally we focused on the adults of craft training but we wanted to get into the minds of the younger people and promote and develop handicraft work in our high schools," said Chala Cartwright, BAIC handicraft officer.
Cartwright, an agent responsible for encouraging business ownership in the domestic sector of The Bahamas, said the course is the best way to capture and develop creative individualism among the youth.
"This programme brings a wealth of knowledge," Cartwright explained. "It allows their creative juices to flow and if we can find those creative individuals, we can look forward to our straw vendors of tomorrow while keeping the Bahamian heritage alive."
The handicraft officer revealed that the course was specifically launched in the summer for students to efficiently learn the skills and take advantage of the training BAIC has to offer.
Citing last year's programme as a major success with an estimated 300-plus adults participating across The Bahamas, she said the corporation will focus on youngsters learning the basic fundamentals of craft.
"Last year's response of our programme was overwhelming and so we want to train young persons in these areas, identifying those handicraft persons of the future."
Scheduled to be held at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI), BAIC's summer course will be instructed by Veronica Ellis.
Ellis, a highly qualified and experienced shell craft expert, will tutor the students in making products that include blankets, clothing, hats and beaded jewellry.
The classes, which are arranged to begin on July 11, will run until July 20, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. with a registration fee of $20.
By TAMARA DELANEY, Freeport News Reporter
