The Government Technical Institute (GTI) recently held its annual open day with a unique twist. Coining the day ‘Jill of all Trades’ the institute showcased its many female students who ensured their skills were on display.
Principal of the institute, Dr Renita Crandon-Duncan, told me that it was a day to remember and listening to her I felt I was talking to a proud mother as she spoke about the smart farm, solar cooker, beauty products made from scratch, natural juices, and various phone apps with which her female students wowed the many who were in attendance. “The idea was to showcase the females in technical education. There is this perception out there that women are not involved in technical education or they don’t want to pursue it…,” Dr Crandon-Duncan told me in a recent conservation.
She further explained that the exhibition was designed to showcase the institute’s women but the men were also very present. “Girls can weld, girls can build. It [the open day] was geared for students at secondary and primary schools,” she explained to me. But a big target group were parents as they are the ones who would sometimes dissuade their girls from pursuing a technical education.
“We found that it is the parents themselves. When we visit secondary schools, we would hear, ‘my parents want me to be a doctor, a lawyer, a pilot’ and they don’t seem to understand the importance of having a skill especially in an economy like Guyana that is developing,” the GTI principal expounded. She added that girls can do more than cook and sew.
It was an open day with a different slant and according to the institute’s head, “It was awesome, it was the biggest event we have had, the only thing that was different was we did not have as many companies on board like last year”. She said they targeted companies that could have showcased their female employees.
“But the attendance… We had the largest contingent attending. People were thinking that only females should have attended but it was for everyone. Some of them were intrigued,” she said as she gushed about some of the things the female students displayed. At present there are some 360 female students in the institute’s 1,928 population and Dr Crandon-Duncan believes that figure will significantly increase in the new school year.
Below we feature a few of the female students at the institute as posted on the institute’s Facebook page.
Jaime La Cruz is a Building and Civil Engineering student. Jaime has always been intrigued with Technical Education and made sure that she chose GTI as the foundation for her career. Jaime is one of the female civil engineers who was given the opportunity to pursue a programme with CEMEX and represented GTI well at the opening ceremony of the CEMEX CAMPUS.
Meet Jadiel Welch, a second-year student of the Technician Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering. Travelling every day from the county of Berbice to GTI, Jadiel continues to demonstrate the value of persistence. She said: “Being a student of Building and Civil Engineering at the Government Technical Institute has been an incredibly transformative experience. The journey began with a deep curiosity about the building environment and the desire to understand how structures come to life from mere sketches and plans. GTI has provided a comprehensive education that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, offering a well-rounded understanding of the civil engineering field. Through challenging coursework, hands-on projects, and real-world problem-solving exercises, I’ve gained valuable skills in design, analysis, and construction techniques. These experiences have prepared me for the dynamic challenges I will face in my future career. One of the most rewarding
aspects of my time at GTI has been the collaborative learning environment. Working alongside my peers on group projects has fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, teaching me the importance of communication and cooperation in successful project execution. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my classmates have enriched my learning experience and expanded my understanding of the industry. As I approach the completion of my diploma in Civil Engineering, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. This journey has been marked by growth, resilience, and determination. Receiving my diploma will symbolise the hard work and dedication I’ve invested in my education, as well as the countless opportunities that lie ahead. Looking forward, I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at GTI to contribute positively to the world of civil engineering. I am eager to embark on this next chapter, knowing that GTI has been the foundation of my professional journey.”
“My name is Lydia Clyne. I am a student in the computer science department… I am enthusiastic about sharing a glimpse of my journey through the captivating realm of computer science… As a student immersed in this dynamic field, each day is an adventure filled with innovation, problem-solving, and endless possibilities along with hardships and disappointments of course. Computer science isn’t just about coding or algorithms; it’s a gateway to shaping the future. From developing software to exploring the technicalities within device assembling, my course has exposed me to the forefront of technological advancement. But beyond the technical skills, computer science has exposed me to the wonders of teamwork, perseverance and creativity. As I navigate through intricate algorithms and projects, I am constantly reminded of the collaborative nature of this discipline. Teamwork and cooperation are not just encouraged; they’re essential for tackling complex problems and achieving remarkable feats which I can apply in my day to day endeavours. This course has [been] and continues to be a blessing.”
“My name is Tenecia Sealey, a 19-year-old student of the Government
Technical Institute, pursuing the Ordinary Diploma in Land Surveying. At this time of great development for Guyana, surveying has become a grand prospect. This programme provides me with all the knowledge and experience necessary to craft my abilities in this field of work. I am happy to be involved in the improvement and development of Guyana’s future, taking great pride in being a woman in this particularly vast field of work”.
