The Spring Village Training Centre

“To empower residents to
achieve self reliance in order to improve their social, economic, spiritual and
educational wellbeing.”

The Spring Village Training Centre
is a community based training centre operated by the Spring Village Development
Foundation in collaboration with Cornerstone Ministries and Jamaica Broilers
Ltd.  Its goal is to provide trade
and entrepreneurial skills to help prepare persons for self-employment. It
allows people to upgrade their academic skills to better prepare them for the
job market.

The Development program was
founded in 1998 and was formed through the group “Residents of Spring
Village Nightingale Committee”. With intervention of Cornerstone a
non-government, non-denominational Christian organization, the foundation was
established. Cornerstone has been offering skills training in Jamaica for over sixteen years.

Training offered:

Welding

Electrical Installation

Cosmetology

Garment Construction

Food Preparation

Computer studies

CXC math and English exam preparation

Homework assistance

Life Skills Program

Senior Welfare Program

Contact:

Director:
Randy Finnikin.

Secretary: Racquel Morgan.

Phone: 876 708-5020

Mailing
Address:

Spring Village
Development Foundation

Spring Village

Bushy Park PO

St. Catherine.

Departments

Welding

The
welding department provides theory and practical training to equip students with
the skills necessary to meet various demands within the job market. Students
participate in areas like grillwork and heavy gauge steel projects to gain
relevant experience.

The department has equipment such
as TIG, MIG, Electric Arc and gas units which helps students train with the
most modern tools available. Thanks to a generous donation from Jamaica
Broilers, most of the equipment was provided.

Recently, there has been a surge in
demand for welders and this facility will play a key role in filling this gap.
The goal of the department is to gain accreditation through the HART academy so
students can be properly certified.

Ken Edwards chief
welding instructor by his workshop

Pottery

As part of the centre’s
effort to become self reliant, various projects are often in operation. The
pottery section is one such project which is located on campus to help meet
this challenge.

It is comprised of a mid-size kiln
and a small workshop, and is currently operated by Mr. Robert Campbell who is
the “artist in residence”. A potter’s wheel and some pieces
are shown. These pieces are from time to time sold at various venues.

Of all the departments this is by
far one of the most creative. It gives students a chance to try their hand at
something artistic and at the same time being able to generate income.

Garments

The garment department provides
training in the construction of different apparel. Students are trained to
become tailors or seamstresses in the latest designs. After their training, they
are able to work privately or with the various fashion producers available. The
program is currently run by Mr. Vernon Boothe who is
an accomplished expert in this field.

Food Preparation

The foods department covers general
food preparation by means of various techniques used in the food industry.
Recipe formulation is just one area covered by this department as students are
allowed to experiment with different recipes during their studies. Various
baking and cooking techniques are studied. Jamaica has a sizable baking industry
and these students will be well equipped to fill those slots.

Student Novlette
Robinson exhibits the cooking facilities.

Life Skills

The life skills department is the
social arm of the centre. It provides community intervention programs which
focuses especially on the youth. The program provides counseling in STD, HIV,
Child Abuse, Family life, self esteem and conflict resolution.

It emphases the 3C’s program
dubbed, “Children & Community for Change”.

This program is coordinated by Mr.
Maurice Morgan who is also assisted by Christine Barnaby, teacher.

During the summer it holds
workshops for children and sometimes takes them on trips to enhance their
learning experience.

Agriculture

Hydroponics

Hydroponics by definition means
'water-working." In practical use, it means growing plants in a water and
nutrient solution, without soil. Hydroponics allows a gardener to grow plants
in a more efficient and productive manner with less labor and time required.

In hydroponics one provides the
exact nutrients plants need so they can develop and grow. The nutrients are fed
directly at the root base, never stressing the plant due to lack of nutrients
or water.

This picture shows Mr. Orette Edwards tending his hydroponics garden. The nutrient
solution circulates through a network of PVC pipes and pumping system.

The science of hydroponics proves
that soil isn't required for plant growth but the elements, minerals and
nutrients that soil contains are. Soil is simply the holder of the nutrients, a
place where the plant roots traditionally live and a base of support for the
plant structure.

Moringa and Neem Tree
Planting Project

Click to read more
about the Moringa Tree           Click to read more about the Neem
plant

The Moringa
and Neem Tree Planting Project, was initiated by U.S.
Peace Corps volunteers Kenn and Jeanne Miller. This
was done as a way of fostering sustainable development by the production of
these trees. Residents would therefore be able to cultivate these trees as a source
of income.

The moringa
tree has grown naturally in Jamaica
since 1827. It is mostly used as fence posts as it grows fast, very straight,
and isn't good to make charcoal. It is high is vitamins, seven times more
vitamin C than oranges, four times more vitamin A than carrots, four times more
calcium than milk, two times more protein than milk, and three times more
potassium than bananas. “It truly is a miracle tree" says the Millers.

The neem
is a natural insecticide which works by inhibiting insects from reproducing in
humans. The oil from neem seeds can be made into a
stick to rub on the skin and keep mosquitoes away. When mixed with other
ascents oils, it can be used in place of DEET and other products which cause
cancer.

In April 2006 127 neem seedlings were planted around the parameter of Jamaica
Broilers Chicken Processing Plant in the Village to help purify the air and
eliminate insects.

The Library

The Centre is also home to the Spring
Village Community Library. This is a library which is used by the students but
was setup with the help of Villagers abroad to benefit the entire community.

To learn more about the library
project visit http://www.springvillage.org/VillageLibrary.mht

News and Links:

05/15/2006 Spring Village Training
Centre hopes for HEART accreditation.

Click to See News Link!

SPRING VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION FUTURE PLANS

The following are a list of documents which depict
the long term strategies for the Foundation. They outline their vision for Spring Village over
the next five years.

Click to
download:

Strategic
Plan Retreat 2006

Vision
For Spring Village over the next five years

Budget for
2006-2009

Deliverables

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