A comprehensive skills/vocational training programme for youths in the Agricola/McDoom area on the East Bank of Demerara was launched on Friday.
This programme is being fulfilled through the Community Action Component (CAC) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
The programme is starting off with 41 youths but more are expected to come on board to pursue a skill in areas such as garment construction, cosmetology, and welding.
The programme, which is designed to particularly target school dropouts between the ages of 14-25 years, also seeks to forge greater community cohesion with the underlying aim of creating safer neighbourhoods.
Addressing the trainees, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee urged them to work hard at developing themselves with the opportunity that is being provided so that they will be an inspiration to others, thereby elevating the status of their respective communities.
“This is the first step in a life-long journey and the fact that so many of you are getting involved means that you are willing to upgrade and improve yourselves,” Minister Rohee is quoted by GINA as saying.
Residents were very grateful that Agricola/McDoom was chosen to benefit from the programme and Rohee observed that “no community is too small, far, or depressed as every community is important and government will continue to ensure that each area moves forward.”
Community Action Specialist, Roseanne Purnwasie encouraged the trainees to continue improving themselves even after the six-month programme ends.
Trainer Karen Benjamin said that “this venture by government to bring development to Agricola is welcomed by all.”
Meanwhile, stipends were presented to the trainees and child care allowances were given to single mothers, who are also part of the programme, GINA stated.
Similar programmes have already been launched in Sophia, Port Mourant, Kilcoy/Chesney and Annandale.
The goal of the CAC is to assist communities to become sustainable in their function as a neighborhood in which all persons are included in the creation of a safe environment and young people are provided with opportunities that will prevent them from participating in criminal and violent activities.
