Two hundred participants of the Single Mothers In Life Enhancement Skills (SMILES) program, are now certified in life skills training.

Participants of the SMILES program graduated with certificates in technical and vocational training on Tuesday.  The certificates were issued by the National Skills Development Corporation, NSDC.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, expressed his delight in the accomplishments of the program.

“It’s a very touching moment to see all of you here. I wish I could translate to you the very special pleasure that I feel and I emphasize to you as well what the lessons of this program have been for the future.”

Guest speaker, Barbara Jacobs-Small, in her feature address, encouraged graduates to persevere against all odds.  This advice falls against the backdrop of the theme “Inspired by Opportunity, Empowered by Success.”

“Today I am here to tell you that single mother and success can go in the same sentence. They can be synonymous because there are many who have turned upside down the achievement levels of success by far surpassing their coupled counterparts. Perhaps if today’s theme has any merit, these single mother trendsetters were able to recognize opportunity when it confronted them, when it presented itself and they were discerning enough to define for themselves what success is supposed to look like,” said Mrs. Small.

Program facilitator and well wishers were all present to encourage the graduating single mothers, to put the skills and training they have received to good use.