Director's Message - the CCC: a fantastic opportunity for positive change

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), under the auspices of the Ministry of National Security over the years, continues to be the flagship Youth Intervention programme of the Defence Force's civilian military initiatives. The CCC is considered to be one of the most successful social intervention programmes in Trinidad and Tobago. It embraces the challenge of fulfilling our mandate of Getting Youth Ready for Life, therefore it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the CCC.

We are grateful for the opportunity to transform and engender in the youth of our nation socially desirable behaviour, high self esteem, national pride, civic mindedness and an understanding of and sensitivity to the natural environment while educating and developing them in order to prepare them for employment and life.

Young persons in Trinidad and Tobago are continuously associated with negative social and behavioural traits and have become our most 'at risk' group in our society; however, enrollees in the CCC are challenged to arm themselves with positive values and attitudes, descipline and skills training. We welcome each youth who pursues this noble undertaking. Through the capable leadership of the CCC staff and the provision of mentorship and coaching, our youth will achieve their goals in this programme and experience improved, enjoyable and more meaningful lives.

Our strength, creativity and growth as a society depend upon our capacity to develop the talents and potentialities of our people. Our youth are meant to be significant contributors to this process. Therefore, during the six (6) months in the CCC, our trainees are encouraged to seek out all their potential that has so far remained untapped, unused or is yet to be discovered.

The step a young person takes by becoming a trainee in the CCC programme sets them on a path to becoming the successful person they were created capable of being. I urge every youth out there to come to the CCC, where we guarantee you that the programme would transform your everyday life into something so much better, and inspire you into action to get you over that great big mountain. The ability to imagine, plan and act is a very unique and beautiful ability to have.

The CCC presents a fantastic opportunity for positive change. Get on board!!!

Remember to start each day with a positive attitude and plenty of gratitude.

God bless you all.

Major C. Richardson
Programme Director
Civilian Conservation Corps