Nurse assists persons to become certified in healthcare

Despite not coming from what would be considered an affluent family, Beval Louis-Townsend believes that she comes from a 'lineage of kindness'.

And she demonstrates this by assisting people in her hometown of Forepast district, St Elizabeth, to learn skills and become certified so they can create their own wealth.

"Because of our geographical location and the lack of employment of the persons in the community, I realised the breakdown and the escalating violence because persons do not have anything to do. It is with that I decided to use my skills and training as a nurse to assist them," she said.

Some persons who were doing HEART programmes could not attend class regularly due to financial difficulties. So the nurse and justice of the peace utilised her meagre resources to give them an alternative.

"I contacted HEART/NSTA for a partnership and they came in, made their assessment and recognised that in fact skilled training is necessary," she said. Being furnished with the curriculum, she started facilitating students at her home in an informal school. For about 20 years, she has assisted persons to become trained professionals in allied health care. She has most recently been working with a group of 40.

"On July 26, we celebrated the accomplishments of 28 newly skilled persons, 24 of them were present at the graduation ... ," she said proudly.

One of the graduates, Camoya Howard, told THE WEEKEND STAR that she always wanted to become a nurse but didn't know where to start. The single mother, who is also a farmer, is the first of her family to pursue a formal education.

"Oh my God, words can't explain, I am elated! I heard about Mrs Townsend and grabbed the opportunity because a class that would otherwise be $64,000, we got it free. She helped all of us to get this opportunity, but she helped me to reach so many of my goals, she changed who I am. She did not only teach nursing, but she groomed me into a young lady. She really changed a lot of lives she changed my life," Howard said.

As the numbers have grown over the years, Louis-Townsend collaborated with Pastor Clayton Blake of the New Testament Church of God in the community; it was the only public building that could accommodate them.

"As a former educator, I consider myself always an educator, so it wasn't difficult for me to jump on board. The high point was seeing them at the graduation knowing the journey they have been through. I think it will be of much benefit to the community because they will be able to take up further prospects in society," said Blake.

Louis-Townsend said she has seen how her 'students' have been using their new skills to benefit others.

"They have been out in the community demonstrating their skills and are even saving lives. They did a house call visit and came upon an elderly man ... and on the account of their training, the students were able to assess the man and took further action that rushed him to the hospital, where his toe was amputated because his foot had become gangrenous," Louis-Townsend said.

Louis-Townsend attributes her kind nature to her father.

"He used to give more than what he earned, I don't know how he did it. He had a shop and people used to come and line up. He would give them a little cow's milk, a little sugar and groceries. Afterwards he would go out and work with the Frome Sugar Estate to get a little extra money, and even work on his own farm to help people in the community," she said.

And this spirit of giving has transcended to her two daughters, who volunteered their time and efforts in assisting her students. Even Louis-Townsend's 12-year-old granddaughter chips in by saving her lunch money to help other persons who are in need.

"It is something that is in the family," said Louis-Townsend.