63 Benefit From Youth Leadership Training Programme
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, April 15, 2018
Graduating today at the Madewini Campsite were 63 young people. They succesfully completed 20 contact hours in the areas of Youth Leadership training , Leadership and Management in Youth Work, Youth Organization, Organizational Development, Group Dynamics and Team building, Communication and effective public speaking,
Meeting and Procedures, and Event Planning.
Minister Patterson along with the Special Awardees.
The training was provided by the Ministry of The Presidency under the Department of Social Cohesion – Culture, Youth and Sport via The Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment.
Senior Education and Training officer on Youth Empowerment Ronald Austin Jr. expressed his pride in the students present and mentioned that the basis for the programme was an observation for the need to strengthen youth
Minister David Patterson delivering his Charge to the graduating class.
skills
“It was based on our observations made in numerous outreaches by this office and based on our interaction with youth leaders and those with leadership potential. We discerned a need to strengthen their skills. We recognise that these youth leaders were teeming with potential to make the difference within the communities and by an extension, their country,” Austin noted
He further highlighted that the training programme is not competency-based but participatory, hence for applicants there are no examinations when the training is complete. Austin also highlighted that based on the structure, topics, and information disseminated, it is definite that skills were acquired.
Austin stated, “We are satisfied that over the two-week period, we have given you enough information and we are certain that that information can be transformed into skills and for that reason we have satisfied our aims and objectives.”
Zoé Frank (right) receiving her certificate.
The education and training officer closed by saying that the department will continue to work diligently, noting that there is no battle between youth and senior leadership, thus it is a symbiotic relationship whereby they receive excellent guidance from the experienced Facilitator and Presidential Advisor under the Ministry of the Presidency’s Youth Empowerment Unit, Aubrey Norton.
In his remarks Norton noted, “I hope this enables you to develop your abilities in your work. There is no doubt that our young people need leadership and we are creating that core of young people that can give that leadership. We hope that it enables you to develop tolerance. We believe if you take the skills or the training we give to you and utilise them, you will contribute to the development of Guyana. I want to wish you all the best.”
Giving the charge to the graduates was the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson who highlighted four key elements for success; Leadership, Education, Challenges and Hard work. The minister encouraged the students to lead their lives, work hard and be the change they wished to see, in order to push Guyana forward.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (fourth from right, front row) Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton fourth from left, front row)with the graduating class.
“Forge your own path, you know what is best for you. You’ve now started down a road of leadership which means you should lead. This is just the beginning, this has just opened the door to a greater better future, but be humble on your return to your communities because leadership means humility. The future belongs to you. Push the country forward and I hope you will stay here and help make Guyana great, because the future of this country looks extremely bright.”
Participant Zoé Frank testified that the training was enlightlening, “The experience here was the most empowering thing that I’ve ever had as a youth. I think people should be involved, because it’s something you can learn and take back to give back. That’s the whole idea as to why we come, to learn to give back.”
Another participant Emerson Joseph also relayed his thoughts. He said, “One of the key things I took away from it is how important it is to be a part of a group and how important it is to have a functional leader in a group and the impact it can make in a particular community, if implemented effectively.”
Conceived in 2016 pursuant of the Guyana National Youth Policy, the training programmes began on June 3rd 2016. To date, 14 youth leadership training programmes have been held.; ten Module Ones and four Module Twos. Over six hundred youth leaders have participated and completed training.
By: Stephon Gabriel