GUYANA, GINA, Saturday, March 18, 2017
Sixty Nine (69) youths from Region 10 graduated from the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) executed by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The graduation which was held on Friday at the Linden Technical Institute saw the attendance of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott, Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce, Region 10 Chairman Rennis Morian and Regional Executive Officer- Region 10, Gavin Clarke.
Courses offered during the training included auto mechanics, welding and fabrication, catering and cake decoration, information technology and office procedure, personal computer repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, care for the elderly, catering and commercial food preparation, and other life skills.
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott handing over a certificate to one of the differently abled graduates
Minister Scott encouraged the graduands to take into consideration the cooperative movement, stressing that it is the way to go. Minister Scott noted that the Co-op movement has the ability to be an economic driving force for the development of Linden.
He pointed out that over the years, Linden has produced persons who have contributed significantly to the development of Guyana. With the graduation of the youths from the skills training programme Minister Scott stated indicated that “Linden is once again on the move.”
The Minister also congratulated the parents of the youths for encouraging them to pursue a life skill.
Region Ten Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira said that the graduation of the youths marks the achievement of a milestone.
The training programme also saw several persons with disabilities participating and graduating.
MP Figueira also commended them stating that, “we have in the midst some young people who are differently abled, who are graduating with you today, and I believe that is indeed commendable.”
The MP added that, “it goes to show that when opportunities are provided and they are grasped, irrespective of our abilities that some might want to judge, if we take that time and employ the efforts that are needed, I believe success will come despite the disadvantages some of us may have.”
The MP also encouraged the graduands to take advantage of the lending institutions and make use of the skills by becoming entrepreneurs.
(From left to right)- BIT Technical Officer Richard Maughn, Assistant Director National Community Development Council (NCDC) Sandra Adams, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott, Region Ten (10) Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce, along with the 69 Graduates of the BIT Youth Empowerment training project
The skills acquired by the youths, according to MP Figueira, can create niche markets in Linden. “You have a skill, a skill that is needed in our community and our country, but that skill I believe should not be given to an employer, but for you to create your own employment,” the MP explained.
The Assistant Director of Youth said that she was extremely proud to see the youths graduating from the
BIT training programme.
“Just seeing you walk out there, I felt a joy in my heart,” Boyce said. “I am a testimony, I was a school dropout, I was a teenaged mother and I can tell you today, I am at the University of Guyana pursuing my masters… do not be products of circumstances, be a product of decisions you make,” Boyce charged the youths.
Meanwhile. Regional Executive Officer Clarke, also congratulated the youths on their achievement. “What you would have achieved here today, is not anything small, it is great… and you should be proud of yourself.”
However, the REO noted that what they have achieved should not be the end, but encouraged them to use it as a stepping stone to achieve greater things.
Clarke noted that the Regional Democratic Council will continue to support the youths’ development in the Region.
By: Isaiah Braithwaite
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