TRAin EES TRAnSFORM AUTiSM PLACE

Sixteen graduate trainees and vacation interns took time off from their assignments to install equipment and appliances, fulfilling several needs identified by the Autistic Society. new household appliances (television, stove, refrigerator and dryer), furniture, computer, filing cabinets and electronic learning games were installed on August 23, 2013. items were purchased from funds raised by the volunteers, and matched by Methanex, leading to a total output of TT $39,000.

The Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago was founded in 1990 to support persons with autism and their families through a parent support group. The executive and staff comprise parents of persons with autism and operate on a voluntary basis. They help these persons achieve their full potential through education, training and advocacy.

Teresina Sieunarine, President of the ASTT, and other members of management and staff were energised by the interaction with the trainees. “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,” Sieunarine explained.

methanex continues to promote community-giving, among other values and soft skills, as an integral part of its graduates-intraining and Vacation internship programs by challenging our trainees to plan and implement a project that has positive social impact. in august, autism place in D’abadie, utilised by the autistic society of trinidad and tobago (astt ), benefitted from upgrades to their facilities.

graduate-in-Training, Shivana Maharaj, was proud of the team’s efforts: “We were able to satisfy a pressing need for appliances and equipment and the staff told us that we’ve made a huge difference.” She was also high in praise for the Methanex experience….. “Training at Methanex instills a perspective that goes beyond work experience, where ‘giving back’ to society is our shared responsibility. This project left us with a deep sense of fulfilment and also enhanced critical skills such as teamwork and time management. i feel privileged to be a part of a company like Methanex in making such a positive difference to those most in need in our society.”