The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented 50 graduates from the Kuru Kuru Training College (KKTC) with micro grants to help them put their training into good use.
At a brief ceremony, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said UNDP representative Shonette Morrison told the group of 2010-2011 graduates that the grant would help them to implement their business venture “… so that you can utilise the skills that you would have acquired during your training. You are now empowered to make a positive contribution to yourself, to society and also to create economic stability.”
Each student received $30,000 while 16 from the group received individual gifts coming to a total value of $450,000. The 16 gifts comprised tools related to the area of skill in which the students were trained.
Morrison presented the grants and individual gifts on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and UNDP’s Enhance Public Trust, Security and Inclusion Project (EPTSI). GINA said the gifts were given in recognition of the passionate effort displayed by the students, who were identified as deserving of rewards in the form of the micro grants. In response, recipient Ronessa Roland gave assurances that, “We are moving forward.”
The EPTSI started in 2009 and ended last year. The project aimed to empower youths to pursue their livelihoods while enhancing community dialogue and social cohesion. KKTC staff and students benefited from a number of other measures through the project, including a new and refurbished training building, resource centre and dormitory, employment gains, sponsorship of 150 students’ meals, uniform and transportation.
“A documentary was prepared so that information and sensitization awareness of the youth entrepreneurial skills training programme could have been provided to Guyanese throughout this country,” Devanand Ramdatt, Assistant Director of Youth, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport said. He explained that the ministry developed a tracer study to track the changes of programmes offered at the KKTC in order ensure its success.
