Nineteen students enrolled at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) graduated last week in the first Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST) held at the Essequibo-based institution.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the programme was supported by international partners and donor agencies, including UNICEF to encourage the students to equip themselves with lifetime skills for their own development.
Before the graduation ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony viewed an exhibition held by the graduating students who each explained their exhibits and the creation process. GINA noted that the self-assurance that the students displayed as they described their work is tangible evidence that they felt they had indeed gained a worthwhile second chance.
The minister also noted that the facility had transformed over the years, regarding the treatment of children who were considered ‘bad’. Today, the NOC’s objective is to equip the students with skills that would help them to lead productive lives after they would have left the institution. Despite the disruption and arson attempted by some students in August, the minister urged staff and students to work past the incident by taking the opportunity to learn and address shortcomings at the facility. He also said students should capitalise on the services offered there. “We can make a difference,” Anthony said, pointing out that there are many students who graduated from the facility that have become productive members of society.
According to GINA, full-time training for youths in a correctional setting is now the primary focus at NOC. Vocational Skills Training is available in the following areas: Electrical Installation, Handicraft, Joinery, Information Technology, Tailoring and Garment Making, Welding and Fabrication, Carpentry and Masonry. Students also benefit from an academic and co-curricular programme from schools within the community. They are given the opportunity to participate in football, cricket, track and field, cycling and swimming championships through the Ministry of Education sports programmes.
The NOC also provides non-residential skills training for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who live near the facility. According to a UNICEF representative, the programme offers students a second chance to secure a better future for themselves. Solomon commended the ministry for assuring that the students are re-integrated into society and supports government’s efforts to ensure that detention is only used as a last resort.
