Youth Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon says though the BRIDGE programme allows young people to support recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa, it will also expose them to lifelong skills.

BRIDGE, also called The Building Resilience and Inspiring Development Through Guided Experience programme, is a training initiative being implemented through the HEART/NSTA Trust in parishes where efforts are underway to repair houses damaged by the hurricane.

Dr. Morris Dixon announced its rollout on January 15, noting that participants will receive hands-on instructions in roof repair, steel fixing and masonry.

Support will be provided by HEART-certified instructors and international technical experts.

The trainees will receive a $65,000 stipend per month.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing Wednesday, Dr. Morris Dixon said participants will receive great benefit, as the hands-on instructions will expose them to local and international best practices.