“Push yourselves for success” – Min. Norton advises YEST graduates
– 65 youths complete YEST Programme at Vryman’s Erven Training Center, Reg. 6
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 25, 2019
Sixty-five youths are now certified to enter the job market. The youths graduated a six-month Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme at the Vryman’s Erven Training Centre in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Valedictorian, Monik De Gueir.
Valedictorian, Monik De Gueir said that she was always had a love for cosmetology, and she followed her passion. “I like cosmetology; however, it will be a source of additional income for me as I head to the University of Guyana come September. There, I will be pursuing Public Management and overall YEST programme was very helpful as it also instructed us on public speaking along with several other meaningful public related subjects,” the 22-year-old remarked.
Some of her colleagues shared with the Department of Public Information (DPI) how the programme has also benefited them.
Vickash Persaud, 19, said he heard of the YEST programme from a family member and enrolled after completing his secondary education.
“After completing studies at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, I said to myself, I needed to accomplish more, and I did. The instructors were very supportive, and what I learnt there will benefit me in the world of work,” Persaud explained.
Michael Hunt, who took the Home Repairs course, said he too learnt of the programme from a friend. Now that he is certified, he is currently looking to go out into the field to practise what he has learnt. After that, he plans to purchase tools and establish his business.
Students studied Data Operation, Food Handling, Home Repairs and General Cosmetology and were exposed to practical work experiences through attachments at companies such as, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Guyana Police Force, Kevin’s Reflection Barber Shop and Region six, Regional Democratic Council. The courses covered six months.
Programme Instructor, Cleveland Rose.
Programme instructor, Cleveland Rose, explained that the graduates received comprehensive training to prepare them for the world of work. Studying was made easy for the students as they benefitted from daily lunches and a $3,000 monthly allowance. They also benefited from robotics training and participation in community outreaches, youth rallies and exhibitions, inter-skill and inter-college sports, collegiate sports and field trips.
In his remarks, Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton noted the administration pride with the determination of the youths to pursue higher education. He advised them that the skills training received is just the beginning.
“As your government, it is our responsibility to provide you with the opportunities for development, but it will always be up to you to utilise those opportunities wisely and productively. I am glad and indeed happy that this is being done here in New Amsterdam. It is my genuine hope that after today’s graduation, while you certainly deserve it, you will not spend much time in relaxing, I encourage you to pursue opportunities for employment or even better embarked on establishing your businesses.”
An additional 100 young people are expected to enrol in the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training programme in September.
