– following completion of YEST programme
ONE hundred and two more youths are now empowered to join the workforce having completed training under the non-residential Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme conducted at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ Sophia Training Centre.
The 19th batch of students graduated at a ceremony held last Friday at the Carifesta Sports Complex after having successfully completed the six-month course.
The programme seeks to provide opportunities for youths to develop their talents in cultural activities, sports and confidence building, and entrepreneurial skills through practice, in order that they become well-rounded individuals.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the programme offers youths a chance to become employable and ensure that they are equipped to go out into the world and make a difference.
He urged that the graduands make every effort to ensure that they use the skills and knowledge that they have gained to make positive changes in their lives.
The Minister commended the teachers and other staff of the YEST programme on their hard work and tireless efforts to overcome the challenges that they have encountered in executing their duties to ensure that this batch is successful.
He noted that the Ministry has been working to improve and develop both the programmes offered and the facility and this will continue to happen since a proper library will be in place for the next batch of students.
Supervisor of the Sophia training centre, Brian King, said the programme provides a second chance for vulnerable youths in society, while at the same time providing some amount of skills.
He also recommended to Dr. Anthony that the programme should be expanded to a period of nine months, as this will give more time for training and learning.
The YEST programme which started eight years ago is set out to help youths realize and showcase their potential.
Some of the courses offered include: catering, office administration and information technology, refrigeration and AC repairs, welding and fabrication, handicraft and masonry.
The objectives of the programme are to provide education and training to youths from all the regions of Guyana, and encourage interaction among youths from various environments.
In addition, it prepares students for job entry through work attachment in various agencies and provides opportunities for trainees to participate and develop their talents in cultural activities, sports and confidence building.
Since the introduction of the programme, many students from across the nation have benefited, since they have been able to acquire meaningful employment. (GINA)