-lauds UNICEF for support to improve institution
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has been investing significant funds for the betterment of youths, not only through education, sports and cultural activities, but by providing a stable environment and support for many who, for some reason, are required to spend time at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) in Region 2. This institution provides for youths and children to develop both educationally and socially, empowering them to function as well-rounded individuals and to contribute to national development.
Apart from central government’s inputs through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, NOC has benefited from the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In recognition of this support, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Permanent Secretary, Alfred King; and UNICEF’s Country Representative-Guyana and Suriname, Suleiman Braimoh, yesterday, travelled to the NOC to officially commission another facility of the organisation, a gym outfitted with several pieces of equipment.
“While we, as government, will put a lot of resources into these institutions, it is also helpful when we could have partners like UNICEF coming on board,” stated Minister Anthony.
He expressed appreciation for the financial and technical support UNICEF has provided.
Minister Anthony explained that while the institution provides training in areas including masonry, carpentry, tailoring and welding, the need arose for the workshops to be retooled and, in response, UNICEF stepped up to assist.
“Having tools alone would not change the quality of the institution … we also need a change in how we think of the institution, and the people who are working in the institution can also improve their capacity to deliver care to children,” Minister Anthony noted.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of the various workshops which were held over the years for staff of NOC to aid in improving their capacity so as to ensure better services are delivered.
He said that the stigma attached to the facility has to be removed.

“UNICEF has been helping us to do so. For the last two years we had a reintegration programme,” he said. This programme assists  youths to further their education through the provision of grants which have helped in the reintegration process.
Minister Anthony pointed out that greater focus needs to be placed on highlighting the success stories of the NOC, so that the public can be aware of the role, value and impact of the institution on students and this awareness will help to eradicate the stigma.
The ministry will be issuing certificates from the Kuru Kuru College to students of the NOC once they complete the curriculum and sit the necessary examinations.
Minister Anthony noted the exemplary improvements the institution has made which will make it a model establishment, not only for Guyana, but for the wider world.
“And that is our aim, to be the best that we can be, in the Caribbean, and in the world,” he added.
Braimoh emphasised that the contributions made to the institution are continuous and a reflection of the partnership among UNICEF, the Government and the NOC.
He noted that the resources made available by UNICEF are directed at children and youths to ensure that they, irrespective of how they started life, and the challenges faced, are able to grow up and be useful citizens in society. “Such usefulness, such gainful participation in the society, depends on good character, good social skills, technical skills… these are all issues that have been tackled in the NOC,” Braimoh said.
Braimoh recognised that when addressing children’s rights, there are duty-bearers that include government, families and individuals, and non-governmental organisations to support the duty-bearers. He added that children must be empowered to claim their rights to survive, to develop, to be protected and to participate meaningfully in society.
He encouraged the youths to look at challenges and turn them into positives, so that they can move forward.
Over the years, support from UNICEF has amounted to $7.5M, and this funding has assisted in introducing the reintegration programme for youths leaving NOC, improving classrooms, strengthening the curriculum, staff development, and creation of a library and gym.
Other items  presented include kitchen utensils,  note books, shoes, shirts, tools and equipment used in carpentry and welding, sewing machine, filing cabinet, printer, television, DVD player, clock, tape, security light and compressor. (GINA)