A batch of 30 residents of Lethem Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) and its environs last week received certificates for successfully completing training in Information and Technology (IT). The graduation occurred last Wednesday at the end of a one-month course in computer literacy organised by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and funded by the Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA).
The beneficiaries were mainly unemployed youths and single parents from Lethem and the neighbouring communities of Culvert City, St.Ignatius, Tabachinga and Katoonerib.
The subjects they secured certificates in were Office Ethics, Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Office Software and Computer Repairs.
Residents of Lethem also benefited from the establishment of a Computer Centre equipped with 15 computers and furnishings including air conditioners and desks as part of the $7M funding.
The programme at Lethem is the most recent of a Government of Guyana initiative to increase computer literacy countrywide.
Similar training programmes have already been held by BNTF in many other areas across the country. These include: Hururu, Region 10, with 30 successful graduates,
Herstelling with 90 graduates, East Ruimveldt with 81 graduates, Enmore 30 and Goed Fortuin, 30.
The BNTF programme is complementary to the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme being developed by government in recognition of the fact that IT is one of the principal forces that will influence modernization of
Guyana.
During the graduation exercises at Lethem last week certificates were distributed by BNTF Project Manager, Michael Singh and Regional Chairman, Region Nine, Mr. Clarindo Lucas.
The two officials both stressed that equipping people, particularly young people, with appropriate skills, is critical to the future of Guyana.
Lucas urged the successful persons to use the training as a foundation for achieving more knowledge and qualifications in the field so that they can earn more and improve the quality of their lives.
Shortly after the graduation exercises, Lucas disclosed that the centre which is located in the Amerindian Hostel in Lethem, will be managed by the Regional Democratic Council of Region Nine.
The RDC, Lucas disclosed, intends to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure its sustainability.
The RDC plans to utilize some of the graduates to train other youths and single parents in the community who did not get to benefit from this initial programme and to transform the well equipped Computer Centre at the Hostel into a business entity.