Inaugural renewable energy course was a success – asst. Dir. of Youth
─ course held at Leonora Technical Institute
─ 30 youth graduated
─ course duration was three weeks
DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 3, 2019
At a simple ceremony at the Leonora Technical Institute on Thursday, May 2, the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport graduated thirty (30) young people in the field of renewable energy after they completed a three-week course sponsored by the department.
According to Daniela Darbarie, who is the youth coordinator for Region 3, the programme achieved its mission, which was to train thirty young people from across the region in renewable energy. “Our intention was to equip thirty young people from across the region with the basic knowledge of renewable energy, but greater than that was to also enhance social cohesion by bringing together youths from different social, religious and ethnic backgrounds and having them peacefully co-existing with each other as they learn about renewable energy. The mission was achieved and the results of the various litmus tests conducted reflect just that.”
Delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony was the Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce who is currently performing the functions of Director of Youth. She noted that the three-week’ course on renewable energy was just the first phase and more teachings on renewable energy are soon coming. “I have looked at the results of each of you sitting before me here, and I must say that I am impressed. It tells me that you are eager to learn. I am therefore convinced that this programme should have a second and third phase, but of course, we have to first introduce it in other regions also. I am pleased to not only see the results on paper but I am also witnessing some changes in attitude and self-discipline which tells me that you have learnt more than just about renewable energy.”
Reflecting on the training, two of the graduates, Frank Perreira and Christine Constantine expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of the Presidency and all others who made the course possible. They noted that it was a memorable and momentous occasion in their lives adding that they made lasting friendships.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul