Region One HEYS youths better prepared for small business ventures – receive millions in equipment
DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Youths of Region One, participating in the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme are now better prepared to venture into their own small businesses. This follows the delivery of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment their villages by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe over the weekend.
Handed over were desktop computers, printers, back-up batteries, sewing machines, gas stoves, cake pans, agricultural tools, carpentry tool and keyboards. HEYS participants from Hosororo, Sebai, Smith Creek, Canal Bank, Fitzburg, Four Miles, Citrus Grove, Eclipse Falls, Wanaina, Tobago, Thomas Hill, Can Hill and Oronoque, all benefited.
Community Development Officer (CDC) Chairperson Sherwin Lewis of Smith Creek thanked the Minister and noted that the equipment will boost the endeavours of the HEYS participants.
Facilitator of the HEYS programme in Sebai, Enoch Benjamin explained that the supplies also ensured that the participants can complete the carpentry aspect of HEYS programme.
Stanley Sam, Toshao of Imbetero said the participants have learnt a lot and they are helping themselves through the grants. “They will learn more with the stuff that Minister has delivered here to the Imbetero community,” He observed.
The participants were happy to have received the computers since having been only exposed to theory. They were given an on-the-spot crash course on the setting up and operation of computers. This was conducted by the Information Technology Officer of the Ministry Selwyn Lancaster.
By: Isaiah Braithwaite
Editor’s Note:
The HEYS initiative, which is currently in its second stage, is a flagship programme geared at empowering some 4,000 Indigenous youths in 212 hinterland communities. To date, close to 800 young entrepreneurs.
Launched in October 2015, the HEYS project prepares youths for leadership roles in their communities. These youths are trained and certified in areas such as garment construction, carpentry, joinery, information technology, catering and entrepreneurship. The programme entails six months of classroom training and six months of practical training.