–HEYS programme making its mark

GOVERNMENT’S leading youth programme, which targets capacity-building, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) executed under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has scored notable successes since its introduction.

This flagship programme rolled out a year ago has seen 1862 youths from 112 indigenous

villages across the 10 administrative regions given the opportunity to discover how they can operate in any environment, while learning vital skills.

The curriculum supported the intellectual growth of the nation’s indigenous youth, while also offering them an opportunity for moral development through the capacity building’s core curriculum.

The programme ensured they channelled their energies towards identifying their strengths, interests, challenges, as well as understanding the value of team work, building trust and becoming financially independent. It also prepared them for the world of work, earning honestly and not being dependent on handouts.

The HEYS Department in its review, reported that more than 350 businesses were established under the youth programme, a figure Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alfred King, said is commendable.

It was recognised that despite challenges in terms of remoteness, the youth were able to demonstrate the importance of working together since the groups established were able to successfully execute several projects.

Among the businesses established were several grocery shops, poultry production, pig and small ruminants’ production, boutiques, Internet café, furniture manufacturing and eco-tourism destinations.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and who has direct responsibility for Youth Development, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, was pleased with the achievement.

“I am very proud that the indigenous youth grasped the opportunity to actually established businesses within their communities. This, of course, was due to the fact that the BYOB training was part of the programme; hence, youth were able to identify business opportunities that can prove successful within their own villages. I have visited several villages and was amazed at the various businesses that were in operation, either in groups or individually,” the Minister said.

With this aspect of the programme coming to an end, the minister said: “I wish them well and encourage them to focus, do not give up and do not be afraid to explore new business ideas, especially within the tourism industry.”

A spinoff of the HEYS programme, the Sun Dried Tomato Project, a sustainable, green economic initiative undertaken in Paramakatoi, Region Eight, which is unique to the hinterland, is currently creating employment for more than 50 farmers.

“Under the careful guidance of the Chief Coop Officer from the Ministry of Social Protection, a farmers’ cooperative has been formed and their first harvest will be in August. More than 30 persons have already been trained in food/ agro processing by the Board of Industrial Training and are now eagerly awaiting their stint in the processing facility,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

The Sun Dried Tomato Facility will be opened shortly.

Throughout the duration of the programme, youth from a number of villages spoke about the opportunities this initiative has afforded them in positively changing their lives.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the programme will be rolled out shortly in 100 villages in regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.