A 65-year-old farmer of Port Mourant, in Region Six, is among approximately 150 recent graduates of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses run by the Basic Needs Trust Funds (BNTF) in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
And according to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, government will replicate the seven-week courses, which served persons in Region Six as well as at Golden Grove, Enmore, Buxton and Mon Repos in Region 4, as it strives to achieve universal ICT literacy countrywide, a report from Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
Students were taught subjects such as Introduction to the Computer, Microsoft Office and Word, Microsoft Power Point, Publisher, Excel, Access and Output, along with computer repairs and networking. They were also instructed in work ethics, basic Mathematics and English Language and Sexual and Reproductive Health.
GINA said farmer Compton Reid, 65, who received an award at his graduation for persevering, said he was grateful to the government for the opportunity to learn ICT. Despite some challenges, Reid said that he was pleased to participate and he can now market his produce over the internet.
Speaking to course graduates at ceremonies two Wednesdays ago, Singh reminded the students that the modern world is technology driven and he encouraged everyone, young and old, to learn how to use the computer. He also noted that tremendous advances have been made in this sector as 10 years ago no one had a place in ICT but today more than 300 persons have been able to secure jobs.
“This programme is not a one off …It is a comprehensive national agenda by government to ensure that persons throughout the length and breadth of Guyana are trained in Information and Communication technology…we believe that every citizen must be supported in achieving circumstances that will see them becoming gainfully employed,” he said.
According to GINA, government has been providing the necessary infrastructure by installing fibre optic cables and equipping ICT labs in and out of the school system, drafting legislation, making way for private investors and making internet access more affordable an through the One Laptop Per Family programme which aims to equip every citizen with access to ICT in their homes. The programme will be replicated in other areas.
Meanwhile, BNTF Project Manager Michael Singh extended congratulations to the graduates and pointed out that the programme is for persons of all age ranges. BNTF is a Government of Guyana programme that is responsible for implementing projects and providing infrastructure for capacity building. The students were given certificates of participation and which they can use to advance their education and earn the Caribbean Vocational Qualification Certificate, and secure employment.
Apart from Reid, other awardees include best graduating students Coya Halley and Ramona Persaud of Mon Repos; Ronessa Setal of Golden Grove; Cranston Richmond of Enmore and Deon David of Buxton. Prizes were also given to the most improved students and for perseverance.
Meanwhile, at Golden Grove and Mon Repos, Dr Singh commissioned a fully furnished computer lab each, obtained through an intervention by the Caribbean Development Bank and executed at a cost of $9 million and $7.5 million, respectively.
