Tasting sweet success…
− Young Aishalton women turning cooking skills into a successful business
− HEYS at work
DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 4, 2019
Carmen Ritchie and Sonita Earnest of Aishalton Village located in the Deep South Rupununi, Region 9 are using their cooking skills to provide tasty treats to the residents of their village.
The women were part of the first batch of hinterland youths who received training under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. Pooling the $50,000 grant they each received after the one-year course, and the monies they saved from their monthly stipend, the young ladies established a small shop opposite the village airport.
They provide a daily menu of mouthwatering snacks such as mittai, cakes, doughnuts and popcorn. On special occasions, they also have traditional dishes such as cassava bread, pepperpot, farine and roast wild meat, as well as beverages.
Ritchie said her ultimate goal is to become a successful businessperson earning her own money; the HEYS initiative provided the foundation for her to pursue her dreams.
“The programme helped to broaden my understanding of managing a business and I am very happy to be a part of it… I would like to thank the government for this opportunity they have given to us, especially the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. My colleagues and I have gained a lot.”
The group initially began with five women, but due to circumstances, three dropped out. Despite this and many other challenges, Richie and Earnest persevered and so far, “business has been doing well”.
The villagers have been very supportive, especially the Village Council which often offers words of encouragement and provides any support the young women may need.
Twenty-seven-year-old Sonita Earnest indicated that the programme has been a great experience. She also expressed gratitude to the government for initiating such a programme providing hinterland youths, like herself with a second chance.
According to Earnest, 20 women from her village were trained under the HEYS programme, 15 of which ventured out on their own, while herself and the other four women formed a partnership.
This year, a further $176Million was approved for monitoring and mentorship along with additional monetary support to 2,000 thriving HEYS businesses. Once they qualify, the women will receive $50,000 each to expand their business.
The plan is to completely furnish the shop and expand to include a craft shop, to attract tourists visiting the village.
The APNU+AFC Coalition Government, over the past three years, has invested more than $2Billion in hinterland youth empowerment, which has resulted in the establishment of over 2,000 successful businesses under the HEYS programme.
In 2016, close to $1Billion was budgeted for the new HEYS project, which was piloted in Paramatakoi, Mountain Foot, Bamboo Creek, Monkey Mountain, Tuseneng and Tarukain in Potaro-Siparuni, Region 8.
A further $991Million was allocated in 2017, and $982 Million in 2018.
Synieka Thorne
Images: Anil Seelall