Young people, be prepared for changes – Min. Broomes urges

─ Minister with responsibility for Youth Affairs visits Valmiki Vidyalaya High School

Natasha Smith

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 23, 2019

Minister with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes and Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine today met students of the Valmiki Vidyalaya High School to hear their views on, and address issues which affect them. The minister urged the students to be prepared for the changes which will come with first oil.

In her remarks, Minister Broomes told the students that they are among the fortunate ones who are in the position to receive an education. She told them of the importance the government has placed on their education, lamenting the fact that many youngsters are facing difficulties in their lives and are in unfortunate situations.

“Education is one of the big focus of this government since we took office. His Excellency was grieved stepping into office when we had to deal with common entrance at 14 per cent. We had to deal with our young people coming forward for jobs, but they said I need a job, but I’m not qualified,” Minister Broomes said.

She disclosed that previously, several agencies had to hire expatriates to fill the void of human resources to get certain things done in the various sectors, locally.

“One of the big areas of priority is education. You are not too small or too young to understand that you are in a better place than myself, and your worship [the Mayor], and your teachers, because the opportunities that present themselves now in Guyana were not there before… We will be pouring oil in 2020, it is not coming it’s here and so you as young people have to be educated to take this country over.”

In addition, the minister encouraged the youths to “be proud of who they are. We want our youths to be well rounded well educated; get involved in sport, we want our youths to live in love and harmony and peace and unity”. she continued.

The students took the opportunity to question the minister on issues that affect them. Several students questioned on topics such as youth involvement in sport and the preparedness in the event of an oil spill when the production starts.

Minister Broomes was pleased with the feedback she received on the visit to the school and assured the students that their views are important and will be addressed.

“I will be making the recommendation and your government will be driven by your ideas, not our ideas… We need to come to you in your spaces and hear what it is you have to say… it’s not just coming here and listening to you, but to ensure that when we design our programs for training that we take these things into consideration and we make modifications that will allow these areas of great passion for young people.”

Images: Kawise Wishart

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