First Lady opens third ICT training workshop in Linden

Georgetown, Guyana – (January 28, 2019) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, this morning, encouraged 40 youth drawn from several communities across Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten) to capitalise on the chance to learn Information and Communication Technology (ICT) so that they can take advantage of the employment opportunities in that sector. The First Lady delivered this charge in her address to the participants at the opening of the third ICT workshop to be hosted in the region.

“The young people of Guyana are a major part of our population, so it is a fact that you are the ones to take us forward…There are a lot of talent flowing through our veins and there is a lot of talent to be seized and one of the ways we will seize that [talent] is if we get on top of this Information and Communication Technology which is going to guide us and help us to manage our progress. I want you to be assured that we are looking at ways in which you can not only collect a piece of paper, but [ways] that will help you find your way to employment,” Mrs. Granger said.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger gestures while making at point during the workshop.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (seated third from left) along with regional representatives and participants at the third BIT/ICT workshop being held in Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten).

Regional Chairman, Mr. Rennis Morian says young people may be able to source jobs within the region after the Information Communication Technology (ICT) training.

The First Lady also noted that many graduates of the programme have found employment within the ICT sector through the National Data Management Authority.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Mr. Rennis Morian said that Regional Democratic Council (RDC) plans to digitize its records and is inviting Co-ordinator of the ICT workshop, Mr. Deron Adams to submit a proposal on how to do same, which will include utilising the skills of the graduates of the workshop.  He urged the participants not to “see this as we’re just teaching ICT, but the whole business is to ready your mind for developmental works, programmes and jobs that will be coming your way.”

Blueberry Hill resident Ms. Jenel Schwartz, who is participating in the workshop said that she first learnt of the opportunity through the various youth programmes that she participates in.   “I tried to get a lot of young people on board as well with me, but mostly the boys. … I expect to gain a lot when it comes to using computers,” she said.

Another participant, Mr. Winston Caesar, said that he was happy for the opportunity to diversify his education.  “I used to work with a mining company, but I recognized that I need to improve in certain areas and so I decided to go back to school and I was advised about this programme so I came to do it,” he said.

The month-long programme, which is being held at the Linden Resource Centre, will see participants awarded with certificates that have been accredited by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training. The course also includes tuition in Robotics, Microenterprise Management, the Microsoft Suite and other subjects.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Valerie Patterson-Yearwood; Parliamentary Representative for Region Ten, Mr.  Jermaine Figueira and Mayor of Linden, Her Worship, Ms. Waneka Arrindell also attended the opening of the workshop.