Amitabh Sharma, Features Writer

Marsha Bell, a student of the tractor training programme at the 4H Centre at Denbigh, Clarendon. - photos by Amitabh

In the Denbigh Agriculture Park in Clarendon, the only buzz of activity is from 4H Centre, where a group of youngsters are lined up to attend an orientation class. Their mission: to learn to drive a tractor.

"This programme is about giving a chance to those who really need it," said Andre Anderson, centre manager, 4H Tractor Operation and Maintenance Programme.

"The students are trained to drive and operate a tractor, manage the vehicle and manoeuvre it," said Anderson. "They are also taught to drive and reverse a tractor on obstacles with trailers," he added.

"We focus on safety when operating the machinery, human factors and safety when servicing," he said.

The tractor training programmes are focused on persons who have dropped out of school.

"We take a contribution to cover the costs," said Anderson, "But we certainly look at cases where we can assist needy students."

Donna Dawkins trained herself to make jewellery, but this is not what she was cut out for.

Challenges

"I love challenges," she said. "I wanted to do a job where men were working."

Dawkins, 42 and mother of two, decided to join the tractor training programme last year.

"I am proud that I am driving a tractor," she said.

Marsha Bell, a fresher, supports Dawkins. She is looking forward to the programme. "It is my first day here and I am very excited to be here," said Bell.

Bell finished school in 2004 and was looking for something to do. "I wanted to do something exciting and this looked like it," she said.

For Dawkins and Bell, this is all about breaking new ground. "It is a male thing," said Bell, "but I want to take up the challenge."

The tractor training programme is run twice a year, with 50 students per batch. On completion of the programme the students who pass are certified by NCTVET.

The tractor training programme, which was started with the assistance of the Government of Japan, also has outreach programmes with JAMALCO and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute.

Anderson said that, over the years, past students have found jobs not only in Jamaica, but also abroad. Locally, the bauxite industry is the major employer.

"The students find jobs directly or indirectly in the industry," he said. "They also get employed in sugar factories and some have been absorbed by the ongoing highway project."

Dawkins, who graduated in February 2008 has now got a job as a tractor operator with a contractor on a road construction project. "I am looking forward to it," she said, gleaming.

Home economics

The centre also runs a home economics programme. "We have 25 persons per batch who we train for four months," Anderson said.

The students are trained to make pastries, bulk food and salads. "We also give them training on costing and budgeting," Anderson said. "Most of our students have gone into their own catering business."

Anderson, who holds a degree in agriculture, is keen to introduce new initiatives to make the centre self- sustaining. "We want to utilise the land available to us for growing organic vegetables and produce," he said.

As a part of the project, the students of the tractor training programme make a small quantity of bio-diesel. "We make the fuel in a blender, but I want to further enhance the production and possibly take it on a larger scale," said Anderson.

For Dawkins and Bell, the journey is only beginning. "My immediate goal and objective is to be an outstanding student and get the highest grades in the class," said Bell.

The Jamaica 4H Clubs was established in 1940; the club works in the areas of agriculture, home economics, environmental management, leadership and social skills in rural and urban areas.

The Jamaica 4H Clubs can be reached at : (876) 927-4050-2 or e-mail: jamaica.4h@cwjamaica.com

'Making a difference' is an initiative to highlight the work of service clubs and social organisations in Jamaica which are transforming communities across the country.

We invite organisations which are working towards a cause to participate in this endeavour. Contact: 922-3400 ext. 6377 or e-mail: amitabh.sharma @gleanerjm.com