More youth empowerment training programmes to begin soon  

Georgetown, GINA, July 11, 2016

Youths will soon be able to benefit from several new training programmes that will build their capacity.  These programmes will empower youths so they can take leadership positions in organisations.

This was disclosed by Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton. He stated that the programmes will focus on entrepreneurship and personal upgrade among others areas of development.

Norton explained that, “Shortly we will begin some training with young people in agro-processing, teaching them to process fruits, preserve fruits, process meat, etc.”

The Presidential Advisor noted that studies have shown that many youths, even after leaving school, are unable to read and write. Hence, government is making every effort to help them become literate through the ‘Train the Trainers’ programme.

“We are doing at present, a pilot project to be able to understand the problem and to help young people so shortly, 45 young people will be trained in numeracy and literacy so that they can go back out there and begin the process of teaching young people,” Norton explained.

Additionally, he pointed out that there are many young people who are experiencing problems and would need counselling. Many times, Norton noted that there is nowhere for those young people to turn to for help. It is against that backdrop, he said, that there will also be a counselling programme for youths.

“We are looking down the line at a volunteer counselling corps where you train these young people, give them skills and they at the volunteering level could help counsel young people,” Norton said.

Over 150 youths have completed a Youth Leadership Training Programme. This is a 20- hour programme which will equip young people with the necessary skills, who will return to their communities and teach others.

Once the National Youth Policy is passed in the National Assembly, these programmes among others will intensify.