44 youths graduate from entrepreneurship programme

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, May 18, 2017

A collaborative training programme between the Ministry of Education’s, Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Cuso International has enabled 44 youths to be trained in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The batch of youth today, graduated at a ceremony at Kuru Kuru Training Centre (KKTC), Kuru Kuru, Linden Highway.

The training was aimed at providing the students the opportunity to gain knowledge in conducting market research, developing entrepreneurial strategies and communicating their business ideas.

Those present at the ceremony were Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Pierre Giroux, Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce and Manager and Founder of Rewa Eco-Lodge Dickie Alvin and representatives from Sterling Products Limited and the Small Business Bureau (SBB).

The Assistant Director of Youth said that the programme is in keeping with the Ministry’s mandate to harness the creative ideas of the young people for the betterment of the country. Boyce encouraged  the graduands  to continue to develop themselves in the field of entrepreneurship using the experience that they obtained during the programme. She noted that 250 youths have been exposed to the introductory concepts of entrepreneurship.

Canadian High Commissioner Giroux said that he was proud of the students’ dedication towards the completion of the programme since it will help to create jobs within their communities. He noted that the programme is also in keeping with a number of approaches made by the government to target the high unemployment rates.

“Youth unemployment continues to be a concern across Guyana. According to statistics highlighted in 2015, Guyana had the highest youth unemployment rate in the Caribbean… we understand the importance of engaging youth and the issues that may affect their development,” Giroux said.

According to Giroux, the students will also be introduced to a number of experts and professionals in the field of entrepreneurship throughout Guyana as a way to enhance their entrepreneurship journey.

Rewa’s Eco Lodge proprietor, Alvin expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to listen to the strategies created by the students. However, he told the students that they may have to face some challenges while establishing their businesses.

Alvin noted that he had also faced a number of challenges with his business that had caused him to volunteer his services until he received assistance from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

 

By: Neola Damon