CSSP continues to transform lives in Berbice

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 15, 2018

The three-pronged Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) is aimed at, among other things, reducing crime and violence among young people. Through Component One of this initiative, at-risk youths are selected and sent for technical and vocational training which in most cases will lead to the Caribbean Vocational Qualification Level One (CVQ1).

They are also exposed to psycho-social support and community-based violence free conflict resolution among other measures.

CSSP Student of the NATI, Rosanna Sheopaul.

The Community Action Council, a community-based organisation is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this Inter-American Development Bank funded project at the community level.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) recently visited the Berbice area and spoke with a number of stakeholders.

According to Chairman of the Adelpi-Canje Community Action Council, Gerron Hetnarine, since the implementation of the CSSP in September 2017, there has been a reduction in the number of youths seen “idling” within the community and as a result a decrease in the petty crimes.

“It’s really beneficial to the youngsters because we get a lot of children who get help through this programme to go and learn a trade or enter the technical institute, so they will able to better themselves,” Hetnarine said.

New Amsterdam Technical Institute student, Daniel Warner said the opportunity provided has been of assistance to himself and others.

“I came up in a single parent home, my mother died a couple years ago and I live with my grandmother. It is difficult… knowing that she alone has to work and take care of the family. This programme has benefitted me, because if it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t have been able to further my studies, to become an architect and make a better life better for myself in the future.”

A fellow student, Rosanna Sheopaul, welcomes the second chance the CSSP skills-training project has provided her with becoming a certified accountant.

“Not everybody is able to send children to school, so the stipend is very good. It comes in for school work, travelling, buying materials for assignments and so on.” Sheopaul also said the support of the Community Action Council is encouraging.

Rosignol Primary School teacher, Linda Sandy also has a child enrolled in the West Berbice area programme. She too credits the skills-training programme for making a difference in the communities.  Sandy is especially grateful for the financial assistance being provided to beneficiaries.

“It has helped me a lot because I don’t have to provide transportation fees for him, neither do I have to provide snacks. He uses that money towards getting to school getting his assignments completed and snacks too. It’s helping me a lot I don’t have to go into my pocket the stipend is really beneficial,” Sandy explained

Registration for new students is being conducted in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. Information can be had from the office on telephone number 222-8865.

Parent of a student of the CSSP Skills training, Linda Sandy.

CSSP Student of the NATI, Daniel Warner.

 

Chairperson of Adelphi- Canje Community Action Council, Jerron Hetnarine.

 

By: Kidackie Amsterdam

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