Two hundred and thirty-four youths, trained in the areas of first aid and home nursing, recently graduated from the St John’s Association.
A graduation ceremony was held for the students who received training within the past year at the association commonly referred to as the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. There were only four males among the graduates, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
The report said that each course runs for a period of three to four months with different class schedules available to meet all who are interested in joining and completing any of the programmes.
Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, the guest speaker at the graduation, recognised the graduates as trained volunteers who crucially support healthcare in Guyana and encouraged each of them to make their facilitators proud.
“It is refreshing that we can witness an association of such longstanding giving quality service through training without money being the motivational factor and I say bravo to you… This certification will afford you the opportunity to be of service to others which I exhort you to render with dignity and respect,” she was quoted as saying.
Lawrence was pleased to observe that the group was comprised largely of young energetic persons ready and willing to serve, according to DPI. In her address, she spoke to the graduates not only as the Public Health Minister but as a citizen of Guyana who recognises the critical importance and contribution of the training they have received to the country, the report said.
Lawrence added that training in the area of First Aid – CPR, which is often overlooked, remains the key to first-hand lifesaving interventions in emergency cases, especially at accidents, DPI reported.
“I will be requesting of them [St. John’s Association] to partner with the Ministry of Public Health to have us do television programmes so we can teach our people, nationally, basic CPR,” she was quoted as saying.
The health minister also lauded the training provided in the area of home nursing, stressing her particular interest in care for the elderly.
“I am very committed to the care of our elderly who are our priority so we laud this programme which will provide solid and sustainable outcomes for our senior citizens who deserves our best.”
She also charged the graduates to think strategically about their future since this graduation is the stepping stone to making an impact on healthcare and saving peoples’ lives.
“I wish you to consider your career path and future. This is the first fundamental step of your accomplishment but do not stop here, you have the unique opportunity to craft an excellent career in health so examine your options, select your area of interest and develop your potential in the health sector,” she said.
DPI reported that also attending the graduation ceremony were volunteers in the association, Chairman of the Association, Vibert Parvatan and former Chairman, (ret’d) Major General Norman McLean.
