RESIDENTS of Kuru Kururu, on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, are the beneficiaries of a Skills Training Centre that will provide free training in a number of areas, including Information Communication Technology, catering and office procedures. Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir and a team comprising Parliamentary Secretary Philomena Sahoye-Shury; Project Manager One Laptop Per Family programme, Sesh Sukdeo; Secretary/ CEO Board of Industrial Training, Genevieve Blackman; and Region 4 Councillor Tasleem Drepaul, were present at the centre’s commissioning.
The centre will serve to give early school leavers and single parents the necessary skills to make a meaningful financial contribution to society, and was constructed at a cost of $12M. Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. donated a number of accessories to outfit it so that it could be used immediately.
Minister Nadir said for 10 years he has had the opportunity to work very closely with a caring administration which has an unmatched characteristic, both in the country and the region, and that characteristic is the ability to stay grounded with the people.
“The commissioning of this centre is testimony to this, and evidence of its (the administration’s) commitment to improving the livelihood and living standards of all its citizens,” Nadir said.
“This centre, under the Board of Industrial Training, will have a number of training programmes available, which will see young people and single parents acquiring the skills needed to secure their livelihood,” Minister Nadir said.
Sahoye-Shury said today will go down in history, because not only did the community receive a centre, but they are privileged to have the backing of a minister who will continue to address their needs.
“In this new technological age, our young people have to understand that nothing is given on a platter. Residents of the community have an obligation to the building, which is to ensure its continued upkeep, as it is vital to the further development of all,” Sahoye-Shury said.
She also alluded to the fact that young people are not aware of their past, or the experiences that their fore-parents would have endured in order for them to enjoy the privileges and opportunities which are theirs today.
“If a man forgets the past, he will think presently of what is happening and cannot constructively construct his future. Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, and government is seeking to properly equip them, to take on the challenges of the technological age,” she said.
BIT’s Secretary/CEO said BIT has worked with members of the Kuru Kururu community in the past, and with an equipped building, will look forward to closer collaboration.
Government, as part of its efforts in ensuring early school leavers, youths and single parents make meaningful contributions to the society, has invested significantly in a number of training programmes.  (GINA)