Fifty-one youths, including single parent mothers, are part of the first batch of youths who are taking advantage of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) Citizen Security Programme Annandale/Lusignan Youth Skills/Vocational Training launched yesterday at Annandale Secondary School, East Coast Demerara. At the launching, Minister Clement Rohee urged the youths to take full advantage of the training programme specially rolled out to develop safer neighbourhoods and provide life skills for young people.
Rohee said the youths will be exposed to various areas of training, equipping them to start up their own businesses and shape their future.
Rohee noted that the training programme has skills that are in demand, including  masonry and computer repairs.
Minister Rohee also distributed basic tools, stipends and child care allowances to some trainees.
Meanwhile, Citizen Security programme, Community Action Specialist, Ms. Rosanne Purnwasie, in her remarks, told the gathering that the first batch of trainees had their first week of training right in the community and at the end of the course they will be presented with certificates.
She encouraged them to preserve in the course which is geared not only for equipping them with life skills, but also self improvement. Mathematics and English are also part of the curriculum.
Ms. Purnwasie added that since January this year, the programme was rolled out in the community and the Annandale/Lusignan Community Action Council were instrumental in its success.
The launching yesterday at the Annandale Secondary School saw a cultural presentation in the form of a dance.
A similar training programme was launched in Sophia, Greater Georgetown last week by Minister Rohee.