Over 150 women and men in Region Two are expected to benefit from skills training under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WiiN) programme.
Wiin was launched at Johanna Cecelia, in the region, by Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch, Persaud said that women will have access to conventional and unconventional training and will be provided with help to launch their businesses as well as be guided on how to access grants and loans at various financial institutions, including the Small Business Bureau (SBB).
Up to the launch date, over 4,000 persons have applied to enter the WiiN programme.
The training courses being offered include Patient Care, Administrative Assistant, Introduction to Microsoft Office Suite, Essentials to Graphic Design. The classes commence on August 30 at Zara, the New Opportunity Corps, and the Essequibo Technical Institute. Snacks, lunch, and transportation will be provided to participants that were registered for the programme.
“Today is a huge day for region two because we are launching the WiiN programme, a programme that is very close to my own heart…this will be a sustainable training programme for women and men…women are very important in the homes, communities and are valuable assets,” Persaud said. Persaud said that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is investing in women because she believes that women can leave from a stage of dependence to a stage of independence by becoming more confident in themselves. “The fact you are here you are investing in yourselves, you have all signed on to free programmes that are all accessible…4000 of you have applied for WiiN programme it shows your interest,” she noted. The minister, therefore, encouraged those present to get themselves in groups so that they can offer various services collectively as an enterprise. She also encourages persons to get register since the programmes will be a continuous.
Participants who applied for the programme told this newspaper that they want to change their lives. One such person was Nalinie Persaud, who is a single parent. Persaud said what she likes about the programme is that there is no required criteria or age limit, which gives persons, especially single mothers, the opportunity to continue their studies. The WIIN programme originated from the Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry initiative, which was launched in October last year and benefitted approximately 100 women. The WIIN training programme will be facilitated through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI). The training will be inclusive and will be accessible to all women, regardless of their background or location. Men, who have also shown an interest in the programme, are also being facilitated by the ministry.
Attending the launch was Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit and Prime Minister Representative Arnold Adams. Senior Training Officer of GWLI Sanjay Puran and Parasram Singh.
