The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) recently concluded its Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry five-week training programme with 12 women successfully completing the course.
In a release yesterday, the MoHSSS stated that the 12 were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the New Opportunity Corps’ Boardroom, Onderneeming, Pomeroon–Supenaam, (Region Two) on Wednesday afternoon. The 12 graduates are: Tarmattie Etwarie; Madawattie Lall; Morliwattie; Chandroutie Mahadeo; Gaitree Samlall; Mahadai Das; Camlawattie Persaud; Chandrawattie Dayal; Mahandai Mangal; Indrani Doodnauth; Satyawatie Nankoo; and Rohinie Chandika.
These graduates represent the first batch to be trained under the Cottage Industry pilot project, which was launched on October 19. The initiative was the brainchild of Minister Vindhya Persaud and commissioned individuals to sew facemasks for Government entities while “simultaneously creating job opportunities for both men and women.”
According to the MoHSSS, the training workshops were designed to support individual and group development with the provision of training in business literacy and micro-enterprise development, individual rights and the law, suicide, anger management, conflict resolution, gender issues and domestic violence.
Persaud congratulated the women and was impressed with the new business ventures and products on display, “Your efforts demonstrated that the training sessions were effective, and you have all maximized what you learned over past the five weeks.” She also stated, “They were meticulously crafted with you in mind to ensure that we presented all the areas we though you needed to take you to the next step which included owning your own business, setting up your small micro enterprise businesses or developing yourself… and all of these things have enabled you to become financially independent,” and added “What I see before me are skilled and talented women and I am optimistic that other women will be inspired.”
A wide variety of vegetarian meat products made from local ingredients, as well as baby clothing and pot holders, were among the products on display
Persaud challenged the participants to continue in an upward trajectory and to sharpen their business skills. “This should not be the end of it, continue to develop products that will fill the voids that are existent in your respective communities. Ensure your products are sustainable. Develop confidence in yourselves, and mark your spot.” She also commended the facilitators for their roles in ensuring the training sessions were entertaining and informative
Over the next few days, graduations will be held in regions 3, 4 and 6 with over 80 participants receiving certificates, the release added.
