Thirty adolescent mothers in Region One (Barima-Waini) have completed a Ministry of Education (MoE) programme which has equipped them with skills in cookery, enabling them to gain employment or start their own business.
The MoE in a release yesterday stated that the training was facilitated through the Re-integration of Adolescent Mothers into the Education System programme and coordinated by the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Unit of the Ministry and the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE). It was executed by the MoE and ran from Tues-day, June 22, to Friday, July 2.
Speaking at yesterday’s virtual graduation ceremony, Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson mentioned that following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the closure of schools across Guyana, the Ministry of Education became aware that the education system would lose some students.
He explained that under the guidance of the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, the ministry sought those students with a view to offering them an opportunity to continue their education. Further, re-integrating adolescent mothers into the education system was important since “education and training will allow them to enjoy some degree of social mobility.”
The CEO extended congratulations to all the students that completed the programme and urged them to take advantage of the opportunities given to advance their development.
He also spoke of the efforts of the Assistant Chief Education Officer (HFLE), Carol Benn; National HFLE Coordinator, Colleen King-Cameron; Chief Schools’ Welfare Officer, Gillian Vyphuis; and the Carnegie School of Home Economics through its Principal Sharmaine Marshall, and Penelope Harris and team, whose assistance made the project a success.
The Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley applauded the programme and said that it aligns with the vision of the government to provide opportunities to all Guyanese, especially the young population.
“You are given this opportunity of a second chance to better equip yourself not only for motherhood but to be an instrumental and vital player in the country’s development,” the Regional Chair-man told the graduates while expressing the hope that they can be role models in their communities.
Principal of CSHE, Marshall, informed that the graduates had completed some 20 hours of training and should be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise while they “stay positive on the promise of a brighter tomorrow.” The CSHE, she added, is honoured to be working in partnership with the Ministry and looks forward to future collaboration to positively impact the lives of Guyanese.
Three of the graduates, Shivonne Nunes, Suda Thomas, and Bibi Khan, spoke of their experiences during the programme. The three agreed that it allowed them to sharpen their skills and learn new techniques while cementing friendships. Each of the 30 graduates received a start-up kit complete with items that will allow them to begin a career in cookery and also a care package.
Also present at the ceremony was the Regional Executive Officer of the Region, Teka Bissessar and Deputy Chief Education Officer (Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development), Marti DeSouza, the release added.
