96 Complete Entrepreneurial Skills Programme
—Students exposed to 6 weeks work attachment
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Ninety-six young people have completed a six-month Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme facilitated by the Ministry of Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.
The programme, which commenced in February of this year, was held at the Sophia Training Center and offered the youths skills training in masonry, catering, data operation, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning and welding and fabrication.
The students also participated in a six-week attachment with the Ministry of Social Protection, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Ministry of Agriculture, the National Insurance Scheme and the Regional Democratic Council, Region 4.
21-years-old, Vanessa King said that she entered the programme with a plan to transform her life and become her own boss. “I chose Air Conditioning because it’s not what most girls would choose to pursue. I aim is to start my own business, make my family proud,” King explained.
Best Graduating Student, Isaiah Knight said anything can be achieved when you set your mind to it. “I would encourage other young men like myself to seek upliftment and push forward no matter the hardship. I pursued plumbing and I am very grateful for the skill I acquired. I will be joining the Guyana Defence Force shortly where I will apply my trade,” Knights added.
One overwhelmed parent, Sarah Alexander told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that she is very grateful for the initiative since provided the opportunity for her daughter to turn her life around. “When my daughter, Daniesha Jonas, dropped out of school, I felt I had failed her and was frustrated, however it is a known fact that education opens all doors and thanks to the government, through this programme she was given a chance to continue where she left off,” Alexander stated.
In his address, Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton advised the graduates to pursue self-development. “The entrepreneurship component of this programme is strategically crafted to enable you not only to become employable in your field but to improve you to start your own business and that I want you to take seriously.”
The minister noted that the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme began originally in 2000 under the Guyana National Service but presently falls under the purview of the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. It provides strategically crafted training programmes to empower the country’s youths.