Guyanese students to benefit from more scholarships
– over 500 students have benefitted from ITEC Scholarships
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, October 12, 2019
Forty more Guyanese students will benefit from scholarships through the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. This was disclosed on Friday evening during a celebration of the programme at the residence of the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, His Excellency Dr. K. J. Srinivasa.
ITEC, which began in 1964, is a fully-funded programme run by the Government of India to encourage cooperation and partnership among developing countries, for mutual benefit. Prospective students can benefit from training opportunities in India, only available to citizens from 160 partner countries, Guyana included.
H.E. Dr. Srinivasa noted that, so far, over 500 Guyanese have been trained under the ITEC scheme which is managed by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.
Explaining the importance of the ITEC initiative to the development of Education in Guyana, Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry said that the programme is in the business of developing Guyana’s human resources. It is in keeping with the ministry’s push for inclusive and holistic education for all as it is specifically tailored for developing countries.
“The wide and diverse spectrum of skills and disciplines offered, ranges from IT, rural development, parliamentary practices, entrepreneurship, marine and aeronautical engineering. The wide appreciation of these courses indicates the efficacy of the courses for capacity building, empowerment and upgrading of skills,” Minister Henry remarked.
Relevant to the looming oil and gas industry, Minister Henry assured that the programme would allow for local students to be exposed to vast training opportunities.
“The Ministry of Education and by extension, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, welcomes all possible help on our developing journey and preparation mode for our expectant bloom from the oil industry,”
Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams who believes that shared knowledge between countries promotes a stronger educational corps said that sharing best practices is a sure way to achieve effective problem-solving. Delivering remarks at the ceremony, she reminded that Guyana appreciates the opportunities provided by India as the Coalition Government aims to equip Guyanese youth for 21st Century careers.
Minister of Public Service, Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley who shares responsibility for scholarships and training and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes were both present at the ceremony.