Upper Mazaruni youths excited about HEYS programme

(Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, August 1, 2016) – Youths from the Upper Mazaruni District, Region Seven who are actively involved in the ongoing Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme have indicated their gratitude to be able to participate in this youth engagement since it is geared at creating an enabling environment where they can become self-sufficient.

A team from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs which is currently in the district journeyed to several villages, monitoring closely the activities, to which the close to 200 youths are being exposed.

Among the villages visited thus far are Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang/Warwatta, Kako, Jawalla and Phillipai with scheduled visits to Chinoweing, Wax Creek, Imbaimadai and Amokokopai.  

Assistant to the Programme Coordinator, Rohan Bishop is tasked with ensuring facilitators in the district observe the programme’s lesson plan which covers the six- month of class room work.

This phase follows a six-month practical aspect where youths will be given an opportunity to perfect what they have learnt during their stint in a class room setting.

Meanwhile, parents, guardians, villagers and youths alike were also given the opportunity to learn more about the programme, thus removing any doubts from their minds, while also noting the opportunities that will be created for the youths.

Among the concerns raised by villagers was the timely receipt of stipend for youths and facilitators and working materials which include sewing machines, carpentry tools and stoves.

Bishop has since assured villagers that the incumbent administration has the best interest of the nation’s youths at heart, more so the indigenous youths and is working assidulously to ensure there are no hiccups when it comes to the timely delivery of essential components which will determine the success of the programme.

However, according to Bishop, information gathering to compile a data base for youths and facilitators is also a key factor for his visit to the region since the government has endeavoured to ensure transparency and accountability is achieved in all of its dealings, and the HEYS programme is no exception.

Bishop expressed gratitude to villagers for giving the youths their full support since without that support base, success cannot be achieved.

Moreover, Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe who is also tasked with the responsibility for youth development has indicated that exposing youths to such a programme can only be beneficial for their overall development.

Upon successfully completing the year’s curriculum, youths will be better prepared to assist in the transformation of their communities by initiating projects aimed at bringing about positive social, mental and financial benefits.

More than 1900 youths country wide will benefit from the HEYS programme.