–thanks to timely intervention, as usual, of Gen-Equip
CURRENT and prospective students of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) are to benefit from a practical aspect of the institution’s existing agricultural programme, which was added to its curriculum on Monday.
Over the years, students were only able to access theoretical knowledge in that field of study, something that would not have fully boosted their marketability to employers.
GTI’s Principal Renita Crandon-Duncan believes the new addition to their agricultural programme will help the institution produce “well-rounded” graduates.
And it’s all thanks to a long-standing partnership with the firm, General Equipment Guyana Limited (Gen-Equip), which five years ago was kind enough to help the institution start its agricultural machinery workshop.
This year again, the company has pitched in by allowing GTI to use its tractors, ploughs and other equipment to create a practical aspect of its agricultural programme.
As Ms Crandon-Duncan explained, “Instead of just being exposed to the theoretical aspect alone, students will be able to do crop production and actual farming on a piece of land at the back of the school.”
She said that whereas before the school had only offered agricultural science, now that the subject seems to be disappearing, she believes that it is time that they revitalise the entire programme.
Since the start of their partnership with Gen-Equip five years ago, the school has reportedly seen a marked increase in students wanting to pursue studies in agriculture.
She is of the belief that as the agriculture sector continues to grow, GTI must be on par with the constant changes and enhancements of key aspects of the sector.
Gen-Equip and GTI have over the years collaborated in the areas of training and industrial attachments among other areas of mutual interest.
Said Ms Crandon-Duncan, “We would still like to encourage other industries to come on board and partner with us, because there is only so much we can afford to do on our own.”
Some students said that while they have benefited immensely from the school’s agricultural programme, they believe that actually being in the field would boost their knowledge and understanding of the sector.
