THE New Opportunity Corps (NOC) in Essequibo, on Friday marked a historic moment at its first ever graduation ceremony since the establishment of the facility in 1879.
A batch of 19 students from the NOC graduated with certificates from the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST).

Culture Youth and Sport Minister Dr.Frank Anthony, who gave the feature address at the ceremony, called the occasion a very historic one.
Minster Anthony said over the years, the Ministry has been working to forge stronger ties with UNIECF, which supports the YEST programme, and noted that this graduation is one of the success stories coming out the strong partnerships that have been developed.
Minister Anthony pointed to the transformation of the facility over the years, noting that previously, the attitude of the institution was to treat children who were considered ‘bad’ in a degrading and dehumanizing manner.
The Minister said today, the NOC aims to help children create a life for themselves outside of the institution. “We can make a difference,” he said, pointing out that there are many examples of previous students of the NOC creating new lives and becoming outstanding members of society.
Noting there has been a transformation of which students and staff should be proud, Minister Anthony said the events of August this year cannot be overlooked, and urged the staff of the institution not to use the incident as reason to punish students.
He said they should use this opportunity to learn about shortcomings and better the services offered by the facility.
He said that staff should be role models in the lives of the young persons in their charge, noting that their primary role is to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Mr. Solomon, UNICEF Representative in Guyana said that the programme presents an opportunity for the further development of students. He stated that UNICEF supports Government’s efforts to ensure that detention is only used as a last resort. Solomon told the students that success will always be greater if all parties work together.
The UNICEF representative pointed out that the YEST course presents students with a second opportunity to secure a better future for them and to dream to do more. He commended the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for ensuring the re-integration of the children of the NOC into regular society.
Before the graduation ceremony, Dr. Anthony viewed an exhibition created by the graduating students who individually explained their exhibits and what it entailed to create them.
The sense of pride with which the students displayed, described and explained their work, was tangible evidence that they felt they had indeed gained a worthwhile second chance.
Full-time training for youths in a correctional setting is now the primary focus at NOC. Vocational skills training is available in electrical installation, handicraft, joinery, information technology, tailoring and garment construction, welding and fabrication, carpentry and masonry
There is an academic programme that allows students to be exposed to schools within the community. They also receive the opportunity to participate in football, cricket, and track and field, cycling and swimming championships through the Ministry of Education sports programmes.
The NOC also has the capacity for non-residential skills training for young people between the ages of 16 and 25, who live in close proximity to the establishment.
The YEST programme at the NOC is supported by international partners and donor agencies, including UNICEF, to encourage the students to work towards achieving lifetime skills for their own development.
The first and only Juvenile Correctional Facility in Guyana, the NOC is 133 years old and the YEST graduation is the first of its kind for the institution. The NOC functions primarily for adolescent offenders between the ages of 10 and 18, sent by the Courts for a period of training and social rehabilitation.