Preparing young minds for work
– April was Occupational Safety and Health month
– many prizes up for grabs
– students urged to take full advantage of future debates
– OSH Debate and Poster Competition aims to expand the minds of students and prepare them for the world of work
DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 3, 2019
The Ministry of Social Protection, on Friday, hosted an inter-schools Occupational Safety and Health Debate and Poster Competition, at the National Library to prepare youths for the world of work.
The ministry observed Occupational Safety and Health in April. It hosted several activities to raise much-needed awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace. However, the ministry is also making it mandatory to implement the critical measures on safety in the school system.
The Minister of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott said that the exercise will provide opportunities for students to showcase their intellect and also become aware on the seriousness of protecting the country’s Human Resource.
“I believe we as leaders have to ensure that our youths become rounded individuals when they enter the world of work. Today’s exercise will give them the opportunity to understand what are some of the key values needed in the world of work when it comes to protecting the nation’s people.”
Among the schools which participated in the competition were Annandale Secondary and Bishops’ High School. The students who were prepared to represent their respective schools expressed their gratitude for the activities promoting awareness of Occupational Safety and Health.
“I thought that occupational health and safety specifically deals with the workforce, but today I can speak differently since we as students can receive the knowledge needed when we enter the world of work,” an Annandale Secondary Student said.
Chairman of the National Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Earl Morris said it is a commitment to ensure that the young minds of Guyana are involved in topical issues in every region. “Guyana is going to change, whether it has to do with the oil and gas sector or the green initiative and out youths participating in this process is important, youths must and will be a part of decision making that will prepare them to be a part of change.”
The winning school from the Occupational Safety and Health Debate Competition will receive several fire extinguishers among other prizes.
Ayana George
Images: Jules Gibson