The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands, celebrated the opening reception of the 2020 Mentoring Cayman programme on Wednesday, November 7, at Triple C School.
The six month programme is a joint partnership with the Ministry of Education, which pairs top achieving students with mentors from Chamber of Commerce member businesses and provides them with career workshops to maximise their potential to become the next generation of business and community leaders.
Over 90 people were in attendance, including students, parents, mentors, sponsors, and school organisers. At least 50 high-achieving students, who have been nominated by their principals, were paired with mentors who are leading business owners and professionals within the Cayman Islands. Participating Schools are Clifton Hunter High; John Gray High; Cayman Prep & High; St Ignatius Catholic; Triple C; Grace Christian Academy; Wesleyan Christian Academy.
Mr. Wil Pineau, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the attendees and initiated the official launch of the 2020 Mentoring Cayman Programme.
“Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,000 students have benefitted from being a part of the Mentoring Cayman programme, which serves as an introduction to the many career paths available on island,” Mr. Pineau said. “Not only are students learning invaluable skills that they will need when entering into the working world, but they are also forming relationships with the leaders of Cayman’s business community.”
The reception provided an opportunity for each mentor to meet their mentee student, with whom they have been paired based on similar career interests. It also provided a platform for parents to meet their child’s mentor, and ensure they are completely comfortable with the match and supportive of the mentoring partnership. The informal and conversational atmosphere of the reception encouraged participants to network and make connections with other members of the programme.
In his address, Mr. Pineau encouraged students to take advantage of Cayman’s rapidly growing economy and invest their time and energy into the exciting new opportunities that are developing right here in The Cayman Islands.
An integral component of the programme will be a monthly workplace visit in which mentors will allow their mentees to shadow them, while sharing their professional/career experiences or expertise with mentees. The programme will also include a career expo. The aim of these activities is to help students gain as much insight as possible into their chosen career field; provide them with career/professional inspiration and help them to start forming positive work ethics.