Several youths now have the chance at a new start in life after completing a six-week course in welding and fabrication.
Tony George, 20, Kevin Dubar, 15, and Shivraj Outar, 15, all of Timehri, East Bank Demerara dropped out of school due to various circumstances. Recently, through the Timehri Airport Harbour Youth Organization, they participated in a welding and fabrication course. They were among a batch of 17 participating in the course. The trio was presented with certificates by Christine Jardim, owner of pet store, The Outdoor Store, last week. “It’s nice to help them do something for the future”, she commented.
Head of the Organization, Kelvin McKenzie said that since the group was started a year ago, about 38 persons had taken courses. He said that all the previous graduates are working. While this new batch goes about looking for jobs, if they don’t find any, he will assist by, among other things, liaising with various companies, he said.
McKenzie said that he decided to assist youths after his son suffered a mental breakdown some time ago. He noted that after his son got involved in such a programme he “throw away all his medication” and is okay now. This incident, McKenzie said, gave him a sense of direction and he formed the group to assist dropouts and youths looking for a new start.
“It really beneficial”, George said adding that now he can be self-employed and even open his own workshop. “It’s very good” Dubar said while Outar said that he can now help his family.
