– 30 students enlisted
THIRTY students of Leguan have commenced classes in computer technology when the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) launched a $7 million programme known as the ‘Leguan Information Technology Project’.

This project is funded by the Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

It is being executed by the Ministry of Finance through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

The project provides for the installation of two AC units (24,000 BTU), 15 computers, one printer, and back-up systems which are linked into a network.

Classes are being held at the Leguan Community Centre at Blenheim.
Among those present at the launching were BNTF’s Project Manager Mr. Michael Singh, Regional Executive Officer of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Paul Ramrattan, and Assistant Regional Executive Officer Ms Marcelene Peterkin.
According to Michael Singh, the 30-day training programme will expose students to Office Ethics, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook, and to computer repairs among other things.

He explained that classes would be held from Monday to Friday between 16:00 hrs and 21:00 hrs; on Saturday from 9:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs, and on Sunday from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.

According to a statement from Region Three, Information Officer, Mr. Jaidev Dudhnath, each student would receive a meal and a drink on each day.

Each student would also receive a certificate of participation at the end of the training programme. Moreover, the students would be tested both in theory and practise, and a pass mark of 45% would enable a student to acquire a certificate from the Board of Industrial Training.

Singh informed that BNTF will pay all four lecturers, who are duly qualified with a first degree/masters degree and are employed by Sun Technology, a local company from Annandale, East Coast Demerara.

In his remarks, Ramrattan urged the students to make full use of the opportunity, which he said is testimony to government’s commitment to ensuring and enhancing the welfare of Guyanese.

He also urged students to attend classes regularly and punctually, because every session is vital for the successful completion of the programme.

Perterkin, in her remarks, noted that “no one is too big to learn”. She urged the students to be fearless and stay resolutely on course.