Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford, has encouraged ten youths to continue participating in the Linden Community Empowerment Programme (LINCEP), which she said could be a stepping stone for them to reach as far as studying for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Guyana.
On November 19th, Westford travelled to Linden to visit the LINCEP participants at their makeshift practical work site at the Wisroc Junction to commend them for persevering in the programme, which is intended to serve as an alternative opportunity for early school leavers to become employable by learning a skill.
Over the past three months, the young men have been undergoing theoretical and practical training in auto repairs, air-conditioning as well as electrical wiring and installation. The programme is expected to last for six months at the end of which successful participants will receive a certificate, endorsed by the Public Service Ministry.
Referring to the makeshift nature of the site where the practical sessions are held, Westford said the participants are like pioneers in a programme, which is intended to be increased and expanded. She commended them and she expressed the hope that after they graduate they would assist others, who come after them. She also commended the programme’s coordinator, Dexter Copeland, whom she described as “a very determined gentleman,” who had persistently pleaded with her “about doing things for the youth in Linden”, causing her to collaborate with him on a positive project that could be used to enhance the lives of young people within the town.
“In this day and age, we have to help each other. It’s not just about one person because if Mr. Copeland did not have that urge and that vision to help you, you may not have been here. So, you in turn have to have that hope and that vision,” Westford told the participants.
In a brief address, Copeland pointed out that classroom (theoretical and academic) work is done at the LEN Building, Republic Avenue, while practical training for males and females are done at a variety of centres within the town.
The ten participants’ ages range from sixteen to twenty years.
The participants expressed appreciation for having the opportunity to participate in the programme. Two of them said that before joining the programme, they had wanted to join the Guyana Defence Force but they have now changed their mind. Westford, however, told them that after they graduate from the programme they would be in a better position to pursue their aspirations because they would be able to join the army as skilled persons. She also said that arrangements will be made so that participants, who wish to do further studies, could be admitted to the technical institute in Georgetown.
“From GTI (Government Technical Institute), you can get to the University of Guyana … to even do electrical engineering, once you put your mind to it,” Westford said.
She also stated that she understands that the participants have been doing little jobs and she hopes to see their work. Three of the participants have graduated from the Linmine Technical Institute and are using the programme to hone their practical skills. One participant has graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture while another has done vocational training in heavy earthmoving equipment. Another aspect of the LINCEP programme caters for young people to have a second chance at writing their CXC exams through tutorship by retired teachers.
