Project STAR empowers graduates with goal-setting framework

Allison Rangolan-Deans, technical partnerships and reporting lead at Project STAR, urged graduates in the Job Readiness Employment Programme to set goals which align with their personal values and career ambitions.

She was addressing a graduation ceremony for 30 participants in the programme who are from the communities of Parade Gardens and Rose Gardens at the East Queen’s Street Baptist Church in downtown Kingston recently.

Rangolan-Deans underscored the significance of self-awareness, talent recognition, and strategic goal-setting in achieving long-term success.

She encouraged the group to reflect on their strengths and talents, emphasising that identifying and nurturing these attributes is critical in advancing both professional and personal aspirations.

“Each of us has unique strengths and talents,” she said. “Recognising and developing them can make a huge difference in how we progress in our careers and personal lives.”

She further explained the importance of setting clear and actionable goals, ensuring they are in alignment with one’s values. “If commitment is a core value for you, then setting a goal to consistently show up on time for work is one way to honour that value,” she noted. “Goals should be realistic, measurable, and tied to a larger purpose.”

Rangolan-Deans also stressed the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability, acknowledging that while some skills come naturally, others require effort and collaboration. She encouraged graduates to seek mentorship and opportunities for professional development, reinforcing the idea that growth is a lifelong process.

“Even when we recognise our talents, there are always areas where we can improve. Asking for help and seeking out new opportunities are ways to keep moving forward,” she said.

Highlighting the success of the training programme, she commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance. “You have invested in yourselves by completing this programme. This is just the beginning of your journey. Keep setting goals, refining your skills, and taking steps toward your dreams.”

Kyle-Anthony Gardner, the top performer in the job placement programme, shared his motivation for joining: “To be honest, I have a son that is one year old, and I want to change my life and do something great so that my son could look up to his father as someone important, and make the right choices in life.”

He emphasised that the programme gave him a second chance, helping him build a better future. He also reflected on the skills gained through the training, stating, “We learned about being respectful, how to communicate with others, and how to deal with conflict in the workplace.” Looking ahead, he expressed his career aspirations: “Whatever job comes my way, I will be willing and interested to take it no matter what.”

Encouraging other young people to take advantage of similar opportunities, he advised, “If there are projects in their community, they could sign up and volunteer. It takes strength and faith to be in the programme and prepare for the work environment. Other young persons can join any programme, either the youth club if there is no Project STAR or speak to someone they know to get help and stay out of trouble.”

He said that the programme has equipped him with the tools to seek employment and build a stable future.

Roasha Anderson, recognised as the top female participant in the programme, shared her experience: “The programme was about getting you ready for work—the attitudes you need to have, how to prepare your resume and cover letter, how to be confident, and how to really sell yourself so you can get placed in a job.”

Offering words of encouragement to young people seeking employment, she stated, “Nothing tried is nothing done. And every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

Project STAR is a five-year social and economic transformation project that targets under-resourced, under-served communities experiencing high levels of crime or violence. Through a comprehensive consultation process, communities assist in determining their own needs, which are further supported by extensive data and analysis. This marks the sixth cohort of graduates from Parade Gardens and Rose Gardens to complete the programme, which has been successfully implemented across all communities where Project STAR operates.