Seventy-one early school leavers recently graduated from a six-month training programme that was geared to equip them with skills that will enhance their marketability.
Participants were trained in various fields such as catering, office administration and information technology, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding and fabrication, handicraft, and masonry. In addition, complementary subjects including Basic English, Mathematics, Health Education, and Drama were offered to the students.
The training programme was conducted at the Sophia Training Centre, Sophia, under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
The programme was introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and hundreds of youths have been empowered through the programme since its inception, GINA stated.
The recent batch graduated last Friday and outstanding performers were honoured.
During training participants were attached to private and public agencies, including Guysons Engineering Limited, Wieting and Richter, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Water Chris Hotel, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Senior Training Officer of YEST, Dennis Gillis noted that following successful completion of the programme, participants can seek employment, establish their own small businesses or pursue higher studies.
Gillis said that the programme not only makes them competent in the various fields, but it also boosts their knowledge and confidence.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Keith Booker noted that the programme empowers the youths by building their capacity and ability to earn.
Booker said that the programme aims at building the national human resources of Guyana since a nation cannot move forward without this type of resource.
Outstanding performers who were honoured included Stacy Mars for best graduating student in catering, Kwasi Edmondson in office administration and IT, Kaydonna Jones in refrigeration and AC, Daniel Norton in welding and fabrication, Maria O’Brien in handicraft, and Akime Mars in masonry.
