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The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands (MEYSAL), celebrated the opening reception of the 2019/2020 Mentoring Cayman programme on Wednesday, November 7, at Triple C School.

This year’s programme pairs over fifty top achieving high school students with successful professionals and business owners within the Cayman Islands. Similarity in career interest is one of the leading criteria for the mentor-mentee match, as the programme aims to help students gain as much insight as possible into their chosen career field. The mentoring programme also seeks to provide students with career or professional inspiration, while helping them to start developing positive work ethics. It also serves to motivate students to maximise their potential to become the next generation of business, professional and community leaders.

In her endorsement of the important role being played by Mentoring Cayman, the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands, Honourable Julianna O’Connor-Connolly, had this to say:

“Mentoring Cayman is a great example of a successful private and public sector partnership to ultimately serve the needs of our youth. It represents our collective dedication to the development of young Caymanians,” Minister O’Connor-Connolly said. “I wish to thank the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce for facilitating this remarkable programme, as well as each mentor for giving your time to such a worthwhile cause. We at the Ministry of Education welcome your continued support as we work to inspire the youth of this great nation.”

We at the Ministry of Education welcome your continued support as we work to inspire the youth of this great nation.”

Approximately one hundred and forty-five persons attended the Opening Reception, including students, parents, mentors and school organisers. Participating Schools are Clifton Hunter High; John Gray High; Cayman Prep and 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, just under 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 the working world, but they are also forming relationships with the leaders of Cayman’s business and professional community.”

The reception provided an opportunity for students to meet the mentors with whom they have been paired. It also created a platform for parents to meet their child’s mentor, ensure they are comfortable with the match and demonstrate their support for the mentoring partnership.

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 and a guest speakers’ luncheon, all geared towards positively influencing the students’ career growth and development.