29 graduate heavy-duty equipment training at KKTC
Jehanne King was the lone female that graduated from a Heavy-Duty Equipment Training Programme being executed by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The three-month programme, which is the second of its kind, required the 29 participants to live on campus at the Kuru Kururu Training Centre. It concluded on Thursday, August 30, 2018, with a simple closing ceremony, which saw the presentation of certificates and best wishes.
According to the King, the experience was immensely rewarding. “I really enjoyed being part of this. I learnt so much and I feel so much more at ease about what I’m going to do in life,” she said.
She explained that her being part of the programme was nothing out of the ordinary. Kings shared that she has always had an interest and in operating machines and equipment. Therefore, when her father told her about the training programme she was eager to be part of it.
King added, “at first, it was a bit strange, being the only female participant, but after I got to know the guys, we became friends, everything was smooth sailing.”
When the Coalition Administration took office in 2015, it embarked on a series of programmes aimed at either creating jobs or empowering youths to become self-sufficient in a measure to address the unemployment levels among youths. The Heavy-Duty Equipment Training Programme is one such initiative. It also lends to the Government’s drive to achieve Social Cohesion, as it brought young Guyanese from all walks of life, together.
Chevera Calistro from the Pomeroon River, Region Two said that the on-campus experience has been quite rewarding, and has helped him to foster close relations with his peers that come from all across the country. “I really enjoyed my time here…making new friends, learning new things…it was really a good experience,” Calistro said.
He noted that the programme has even motivated him to pursue higher studies. “When I leave here, I plan to go to the University of Guyana. I want to further my studies, get a very good job and live a nice, comfortable life,” Calistro said.
Apart from building relationships, the programme also shattered the barriers erected by exorbitant price tags often attached to heavy duty equipment training – thus ensuring equal opportunities for more persons.
“I cannot say enough how empowering these programmes are…I feel so fortunate to be part of it, said 17-year-old Krishna Surujpaul. The Region Three lad expressed his wish to have more of his peers who may be at a standstill in their lives, benefit from the opportunities available in order to move ahead.
“I plan to tell more and more of my friends to encourage them to do something meaningful with their time,” Surujpaul said.
Delivering congratulatory remarks at the closing ceremony was Mohan Ramrattan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, which has responsibility for BIT.
Ramrattan encouraged the participants to “use this training to further develop yourselves, your families, your neighbourhood, your communities, and as far as your hands can reach. This training is but a stepping stone to your own empowerment.”
Over the years, the Kuru Kuru Training Centre has produced hundreds of trained youths fully capable of tackling all that comes with the world of work – whether by being employees or employers.