Skills-training opportunities are available to youths – Min. Norton

─ govt will continue to invest in Guyana’s youth

─ millions of dollars have been invested in programmes which have birthed several successful youth entrepreneurs

 DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 5, 2019

 

Region 10 residents have been reminded of the various skills training opportunities available to young people.

According to Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, millions of dollars have been invested in these programmes which have birthed several successful youth entrepreneurs. The government, he emphasised, will continue to invest in young people so that they can meaningfully contribute to Guyana’s development.

“This administration is convinced that we are on the right path, we are convinced that in the four years we have been in government much has been achieved.”

Speaking to Ituni residents at a community meeting, the minister noted that the government takes seriously, the employment of young people, hence the accessibility of various training programmes. He alluded to the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme and the Guyana Youth Corps among others.

“There are several innovative youth programmes in which money has been invested. There is a cultural grant that can be given to young people and there are other programmes through the Ministry of Social Protection that are funded by the IDB. One such programme is a six-weeks heavy-duty machinery course at the Kuru Kuru Training College,” he outlined.

In the 2019 National Budget, over $1.7Billion was allocated for youth development. The sum of $250M was allocated for entrepreneurial avenues under the Ministry of Social Protection. Another $100M was allocated to the Small Business Development Fund, which is also available to youths, under the Ministry of Business. Additionally, young people can access financing for small businesses through the Linden Enterprise Network for which $218M was allocated.

 Image: Leon Leung