President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, presided over the official opening of the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at North East Point on Monday afternoon.
The Vocational Training Centre offers empowerment opportunities and inclusivity programs to individuals with disabilities, building their confidence and independence to enable them to thrive in society.
The facility was constructed at a cost of SCR 4.9 million by Turnkey Solutions Pty Ltd, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to quality training and development opportunities.
The highlights of the event included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Ramkalawan and Dinara Bonne, and the unveiling of the new logo for the Vocational Training Centre by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor alongside Christopher Aglae.
The logo, designed by Kurt Pool, embodies the values of empowerment and inclusion through vibrant colours symbolising different disabilities: red for physical disability, yellow for neurodivergent conditions, white for undiagnosed and hidden disabilities, blue for mental health, and green for sensory disabilities.
At the heart of the logo is a hand reaching out, representing support, opportunity, and empowerment.
The Principal Secretary for the Family Department, Mike Morel, said that the VTC represents hope and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
He pointed out that inclusivity for people living with disabilities should be a complete vision, ensuring they have opportunities to gain employment, become independent and represent themselves at all levels in society.
The ceremony featured blessings by Eloi Rasolofoson and Christine Benoit, as well as recitals, dance, and song performances by students of the Training Centre. During the event, Ramkalawan and the first lady were both presented with a token of appreciation.
