The youth and agriculture…
─ NAREI conducts ‘Career Day’ at Beterverwagting Secondary
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, October 2, 2019
As Agriculture Month activities ramp up, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has begun hosting a series of Career Days with several schools, starting with the Beterverwagting Secondary School.
The career day exercises involve a presentation on the various occupations that can be found in the sector. The exercises are conducted by NAREI’s training officer, Benjamin Frank, who views this as an opportunity to rekindle youth interest in agriculture. “If we can get them to appreciate the value of agriculture from a very young age, this [exercise] may encourage them to develop a liking for agriculture.”
This is one of several initiatives that will be conducted by NAREI to increase youth involvement in agriculture. Other actions include field tours and trips to NAREI and other agencies to showcase the advanced technologies currently being used by agricultural officers. Benjamin pointed out that there is a pressing need to bolster the agri-sector with more a more youthful workforce.
“A lot of agriculture in Guyana is done by the older folks, and we know for a fact, they are not as energetic and strong as they once were. So, if we can get youths to take the place of those older folks, we can have the assurance that agriculture is going somewhere in Guyana.”
Today’s exercise was the first in several school visits slated for Agriculture Month. It is aimed at showcasing, to the younger generation, the importance and opportunities available in the agriculture sector. Benjamin will be visiting the students at Covent Garden Secondary School on September 8, and the Hydrometeorological Department will host their Career Day on September 11 in the Hydromet compound.