A Ministry of Home Affairs programme to lower the crime rate in ten targeted communities saw 87 students, out of a starting batch of 93, graduating in 11 different categories of vocational training.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Citizen Security Programme (CSP) youth life skills/vocational training programme commenced on October 4, 2010 and was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank.
This programme targeted youth primarily from the Buxton/Friendship villages located along the East Coast Demerara (ECD).
According to the Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA), at the graduation ceremony, held at the Christian Victory Mission, Company Road, Buxton, ECD, Buxton/Friendship Community Action Officer Margaret Barnes stated that the six-month training programme was challenging. She said perseverance by the students led them to this accomplishment.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, in his address to the ceremony, stated that the graduates now have the opportunity to implement the skills they have acquired to obtain jobs, since they are in demand in various counties, GINA reported.
It said Rohee noted that citizens’ contributions are vital to the development process of Guyana’s emerging economy and he challenged the graduates to continue to contribute to their community and the country.
Meanwhile, CSP Community Action Specialist Rosanne Purnwasie stated that the ultimate goal of the programme is to lower the crime rate in 10 targeted communities.
She explained that the initiative is structured in such a way so as to attract school drop-outs between the ages of 15 and 20 years, so that they can be provided with the opportunity to learn a trade and at the same time be engaged in meaningful activities.
The graduates were presented with certificates in the various training programmes such as cosmetology, data entry, computer training, joinery, cake decoration, masonry, electrical installation, child care, food preparation and bakery.
The graduates in return, expressed their gratitude to the government for giving them the opportunity to acquire a skill.
