The Alumni Office Outreach Programme: Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges - Transforming Children’s Lives (PTFTC-TCL)
The Alumni Office Outreach Programme, “Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges” seeks to transform the lives of returning fifth formers in Barbados by teaching them invaluable soft and life skills necessary for functioning in the working environment. The programme was conceptualised by Miss Faith Richards, a teacher at The Ellerlsie School, and scripted by Mrs. Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Global Campus Alumni Officer. It must also be noted that this programme is approved by the Barbados Ministry of Education, Technology and Vocational Training.
This outreach programme, which had its genesis at The Ellerslie School in 2016, has reached twelve (12) schools in its seven (7) years of existence. With 21 secondary schools in Barbados, this is a great achievement and there continues to be requests from other schools.
The course takes a holistic approach and it quite comprehensive, preparing students not only for the world of business, but life in general.
The following topics are covered during the programme:
i. Presenting Yourself Properly
ii. Effective Communication including telephone and email etiquette as well as the use of tele/video conferencing.
iii. The Impact of Social Media
iv. Dealing With Difficult People
v. Conflict Resolution
vi. Basic Business Etiquette (social, introductions and dining)
vii. Resume Preparation, and The Interview Process.
viii. Personal Branding in 2017/2018
ix. Wardrobe Management in 2019/2020
x. Personal Financial Matters in 2020/2021
Some of the programme’s Most Outstanding Students
Miss Jazzmin Rowe (right) from the Ellerslie School who was the programme’s first Most Outstanding Student and Mrs Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Coordinator & Main Facilitator, the PTFTC Programme
Miss Simone Woods (right) from the St. Michael School who was the Most Outstanding Student 2022/2023 and Dr. Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Principal, the UWI Global Campus
Students dinning at the Dinning Etiquette Sessions over the years
Dinning at Divi Southwinds Hotel
Dinning at the Mount Restaurant, Cave Hill Campus
The programme is supported by Dr. Arvat McClaine, the lone sponsor of this six-month programme. Additionally, various Barbadian companies, including the Global Campus, support the programme by offering internships to the most outstanding students from each school. One notable organisation that has graciously partnered with the Global Campus to offer eight graduates of the programme internships is the Barbados Beach Club. Starting in 2022, under the leadership of Mr. Malek Zghal, the hotel has given students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the hospitality industry. Some students who perform excellently are even offered permanent positions.
(l-r) Dr. Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Miss Asha Cupid, student intern, Dr. Arvat
McClaine, sponsor of the programme, Mrs. Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Campus Alumni Officer and Coordinator and Main Facilitator, the PTFTC Programme and Mr. Malek Zghal, General Manager of Barbados Beach Club.
Over the years this programme has raised awareness of the offerings of the Global Campus resulting in students pursuing CXC subjects at The Pine Site and continuing to further their studies at the Cave Hill Campus.
Meet the Staff of the Alumni Office
The Alumni Office is led by Mrs. Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Campus Officer of Alumni Relations. She is assisted by Mr. Joshua Bishop, Alumni Assistant I and Mr. Micheal Chen, Alumni Assistant III and Secretary, PTFTC-TCL Programme.
Mrs. Sandra Griffith-Carrington
Campus Officer of Alumni Relations
The University of the West Indies, Global Campus
Mr. Joshua Bishop
Alumni Assistant I
The University of the West Indies, Global Campus
Mr. Micheal Chen
Alumni Assistant III
Secretary, PTFTC-TCL Programme
The University of the West Indies, Global Campus
