October 2013


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In August, seven graduate trainees and vacation interns from The UWI took time off from their assignments at the Point Lisas-based methanol producer, Methanex Trinidad Limited, with nine other trainees to install equipment and appliances at the Autism Place in D’Abadie.

In this programme, students are chosen from different fields of study and the internship merges dimensions of exposure including practical work experience, mentorship and facilitating a meaningful contribution to society. UWI graduates also have an opportunity to apply for the Graduate-In-Training programme with the prospect of working at Methanex Trinidad Limited.

Charles Percy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Methanex Trinidad, outlined the significance of the project: “As part of our holistic development training, we challenge our trainees to plan and implement a project that has positive social impact. Through the project at Autism Place, they have improved the facilities, and consequently, the level of care that the dedicated volunteers are able to provide.”

Faheema Baksh, a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering student, related her transformative experience.

“At first I was just excited by the opportunity to gain work experience at a world-leading company like Methanex. That perspective changed quickly, because I realised how much deeper this was than just a ‘vacation job’. They guided us with professional experience, but it was the inculcation of the Methanex value systems that made this experience fulfilling. Working with my peers from UWI in giving back to the kids at Autism Place has changed my life. No matter where I end up working eventually, I will always seek to make a difference and give back to society as Methanex has shown us that we can.”

The Methanex projects ties in perfectly with the concept of service learning and community engagement that is being stressed at The UWI St Augustine campus. Deputy Principal, Professor Rhoda Reddock, under whose office this initiative falls, supports the idea that it works at many levels: not only for the recipients, but because it is an important pillar in the development of students. It enriches everyone.

“Over our 23 years of existence, we’ve depended on the goodwill of people and organizations to operate this facility. We have 450 families accessing the services and each week, we cater to approximately 60 persons with a range of disabilities. These tools which the Methanex team has given us, will enhance the autism-friendly environment we offer to the persons who access our facilities,” said Teresina Sieunarine, President of the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT).