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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 14, 2019 (SKNIS): It has often been said that the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) is limited to community enhancement groups, however, the programme is much more than this, said Wendell Wattley, Director of STEP, noting that all aspects of society have been touched by the programme.  

“The scope of the STEP has a wide reach,” said Mr. Wattley. “[For example], education [has been touched]. That includes primary and secondary schools, day care centres and preschools.”  

The STEP has also catered to persons who are differently-abled, he said, adding that there are groups that have been formed to ensure these individuals are productive. 

“At the McKnight Community Centre, there is a group of individuals who have physical challenges and they are benefitting directly from the STEP programme, said the director. “Without the input of the STEP, they would be left without a focus and feeling as if they are not valuable to the society.”

Ade’s Place in Greenland’s is another place where persons with disabilities can go to be industrious. The organization currently caters to 28 persons.

“Without the input of the STEP, those people would have been either home and creating all kinds of issues for their parents and becoming a social challenge,” said Mr. Wattley. “So when people are of the view that it should be shut down and it’s not working and all sorts of other views, we have to think carefully. Two thousand, five hundred persons will be left as serious social issues,” said Mr. Wattley.

STEP touches areas including electrical engineering, cosmetology, plumbing, carpentry, masonry and agriculture.