The Entrepreneurship & Vocational Program provides in depth training to the Barbudan people in hopes to build crafting, construction and business skills while empowering them to become financially secure and independent from the government. These skills will enable them to start their own businesses or use their skills to be hired locally.
Over 80% of Barbudans are employed by the Government with salaries barely covering their basic needs.
Antigua and Barbuda fall under one Government rule with Barbudans historically treated as second class citizens. They suffer in all aspects of life, from education to health and human rights. Government jobs are rarely paid on a consistent basis and are habitually months behind in back-pay.
Partnering churches will travel to Barbuda for week-long training sessions and vocational programs.
Bonnie Floyd Ministries will continue to offer classes throughout the year as teams of skilled workers and artisans from the US share new and continuing training in skills such as (but not limited to) construction, craftsmanship and mechanics as well as sewing, pottery, jewelry making, culinary arts and housekeeping. Local Barbudan leaders will be trained in each skill so they can continue leading sessions to train others and help those already trained to perfect their craft.
As prosperity flows into Barbuda, our hope is for its people to become part of it.
The hope of this program is to equip Barbudan people with the skills and training they need to seek employment with one of the incoming organizations beginning to build homes and hotels on the south end of Barbuda. As of now, these entities have chosen to outsource all of their labor. Through this program, training will also be offered in the process of designing, launching and running new businesses that offer genuine souvenirs produced by locals through the entrepreneurship programs.
The need for a Multipurpose Training Center is vital.
Currently, there are no buildings on Barbuda that can accommodate the classrooms needed for these programs and to safely secure the tools, equipment, sewing machines, kilns and supplies. Bonnie Floyd Ministries has secured a large piece of property (.75 acre) directly adjacent to it’s Team Home and is currently raising funds to purchase this piece of land. Logistically this is the perfect location for the Multipurpose Training Center.
The property is valued at $50,000 and the approximate cost to build the 2900 square foot building is $150,000.
