BIT graduates 78 in Bartica
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul (second left) along with other officials and the graduating class
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul (second left) along with other officials and the graduating class

THE Government has, over the years, been working to ensure that all Guyanese have a chance to be trained in some aspect of work, and the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parent Training Programme, administered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), have been providing a good opportunity to persons to qualify themselves with varying skills. The work force is empowered annually by skilled persons who have undergone training under BIT.

On Monday, 78 persons of Bartica, Region 7, graduated in several disciplines: engineering (29), building construction (5), health services (8), information technology (16), and home economics (10), while 10 single parents completed training in catering.

Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, addressing the gathering at the graduation ceremony
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, addressing the gathering at the graduation ceremony
BK International’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tiwarie presenting a certificate to one of the graduating students
BK International’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tiwarie presenting a certificate to one of the graduating students

During the ceremony at Leanna’s Kidde Park, Bartica, Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul congratulated the batch and urged them to continue to elevate themselves as they hold the key to the country’s future.
The Minister also pointed out to the gathering that over the year, Government has been investing heavily in the development of its people through educational programmes. He made reference to the fact that Government has been supporting families through its uniform, school feeding, transportation programmes, and more recently its $10,000 education grant initiative, which have all contributed to a higher number of school children in the education system.
He added that Guyana has made primary education compulsory, but in order to end child labour, it is important to make secondary education compulsory as well. He also note, “We believe for Guyana to develop, everybody has to play a part, that is why the opportunity is given to everybody, all races, in every possible area.”
Guyana’s BIT programme was hailed by Mexico and Colombia in 2013 as a model for youth training and reducing unemployment.
Also present at the graduation was Region 7 Chairman, Gordon Bradford, who told the graduating class that this is the beginning of better things to come. The chairman encouraged the graduates to further develop themselves, their region and their country as a whole.
He also lauded the large number of parents who turned out in support of their children and noted that it is important for them to do so.
Vice Chairman of BIT, Nowrang Persaud, in brief remarks, noted that industrial training plays a huge part in today’s society, as he encouraged the graduates to continue to lift up themselves, and play a part in the economic development of the country.

Graduates at the ceremony
Graduates at the ceremony

The ceremony was also attended by Chief Executive Officer of BK International, Brain Tiwarie, who, along with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) provided equipment for the training of individuals in the area of heavy- duty machinery under the BIT programme.
This year’s batch represents a three-fold increase over the number of persons trained in 2013 in the region under the programme. Overall, about 3,000 persons graduated in 2013 from the BIT programme.  More than 8,000 people have accessed training under the programme.
The NTPYE was introduced in 2005 to allow out-of-school youths an opportunity to learn a skill and make themselves marketable.
The programme consists of on-the-job training and exposure to life skills educational classes. The youth who are targeted are between the ages of 15 and 25. Most of them do not have the requisite CSEC qualifications to enter the job market, or may not have completed secondary education.(GINA)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.