Pair aims to help young men off the streets

A water trucking firm has teamed up with a community group to help youngsters find work over the summer and keep out of trouble.

Bisengi Gatare, who owns Anderson Water Services, said he signed up to help charity Black Alliance and take on four young men over the summer.

He said: “We just thought a lot of kids might not have anything to do during these difficult economic times, so we figured there are tanks and roofs that need to be cleaned.

“It’s about getting them off the streets and giving them the
opportunity to learn something.

Satisfying

“And sometimes, just by talking to them, you learn what they are thinking and you can give them advice. It’s very satisfying.

“It’s about instilling good
ethics. 

“When they get in the real workforce, they have to learn not to spend their time time on the phone or texting. 

“It’s about how to behave in the world of work.”

Mr Gatare’s firm has taken on four young men over the summer, who are helping to clean roofs and water tanks.

Cleveland Simmons, who also helps run community resource Club 316, said Black Alliance was set up to help young people, especially in the back of town area of Hamilton.

He said: “I live in the area and I know these kids. If we want to stop the violence, you need to catch them coming up.”

Donald Johnson, 23, of Sandys, and Aarondae Thomas, 17, of Pembroke, are both working with Mr Gatare over the summer.

Mr Thomas, who plans to study accounts at Bermuda College next term, said: “It’s good experience — it’s a learning experience for us when you get older and maybe want to open your own business, he’s showing us how it’s done.

“I live in a neighbourhood with lots of drugs and violence and it’s keeping me away from all that and taking us down the right path.”

Mr Johnson, who is planning to finish a college culinary course, added: “What we need is more support and more work. It’s been hard to find a job — a lot of people aren’t hiring right now.

“We’re doing good work,
getting some money at the same time and stops us getting in trouble.” n