Sixty-six youth successfully completed training in seven areas under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme, which held its 23rd graduation at the Sophia Training Centre last week.
YEST programme offers six months free training for youth between the ages of 16-25 years in catering, handicraft, information technology and office administration, masonry, plumbing and sheet metal, refrigeration and air conditioning, and wielding and fabrication.
According to GINA, the programme trained about 2,000 youth at the Sophia location and Kuru Kuru Training centre on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway since its introduction 12 years ago.
The programme is designed for unemployed youths and school drop outs, with an aim of equipping them with a skill, thereby making them employable. Remedial Mathematics and English, Health Education, Life skills, preservation procedures and other extra – curricular activities are also provided.
According to GINA, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony in his remarks at the function held at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue said he was happy, with the performance of the graduates. He also said that the teachers and the ministry’s roles are to guide them, not only to be able to achieve a skill, but also build their self esteem. He advised that once they set their minds, they can accomplish their goals.
The most outstanding trainee for the 23rd graduation class was Terrence Bernard, while Suresh Bircham was the most improved trainee, GINA said.
Banks DIH, Carnegie School of Home Economics, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana Defence Force and GuySons Engineering Ltd support the Sophia Training Centre.
