Despite speech and hearing impediments, Nadeza Rodrigues does not let the challenges of being differently-abled prevent her from enhancing her vocational skills through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS).
The lone differently-abled resident from the indigenous village of Karawab, a community located approximately 60 miles up the Pomeroon River, Rodrigues radiates a positive influence, making her a force to reckon with despite her inability to speak or hear.
An active participant of the HEYS programme in Region 2, the mother of one is currently working to enhance her training in the areas of garment construction and catering.
During a recent visit to the area by a team from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Rodrigues was all too pleased to showcase pieces from her garment construction classes.
Close friends of the young woman also offered praises for her culinary skills as they made note of her chicken curry and roti recipe, which they dubbed as her best. Another member of her class believes that her ability to operate in the kitchen speaks volumes of her determination to not let her physical challenges stop her from living a life of normalcy.
Further, her mother, Zelda Braithwaite believes that her daughter’s aptitude and charisma in spite of her physical challenges, will allow her participation in the HEYS programme to leave indelible impression on her life.
Launched in October, 2015 by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, HEYS is geared at improving the lifestyle and standards for youth and young adults of the hinterland.
A statement issued by the ministry noted that with the theoretical aspect of the HEYS programme nearing completion, the initiation of the second and most decisive phase will commence where youth will be exposed to the incubation of small business undertakings.
The ventures will be undertaken individually or in small groups, while the knowledge gained in entrepreneurship over the past months will be critical for the success of these ventures.
It was also noted that the HEYS department is completing payment of stipends for both youth and facilitators up to December, which is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.
Supplementary training on self-employment will commence soon, with facilitators who administered the Entrepreneurship aspect of the programme.
Additionally, the participants are expected to complete individual portfolios which are designed to represent the knowledge gained.
According to Programme Coordinator Murray Greenidge, the idea of having the youth produce a portfolio instead of completing a final exam was premised on three key factors. Greenidge said owing to the fact that the programme caters to the needs of “young adults who are classified as at-risk it is not advisable that they should be subjected to the formal methods of examination; the other because it is andragogical in nature; and number three it is competency-based.”
He further explained that this alternative form of assessment is “based on competency presented in narrative form or it can be presented in picture form or diagrammatic form based on their interpretation or experience.”
Youths are expected to complete this aspect of their training by this Thursday.
