EVERY year around this time, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony would take time off his busy schedule to mingle and interact with students of the Kuru Kuru Training Centre (KKTC), located along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway at their annual Christmas luncheon. Wednesday was one such day for the new batch of students of the institution.

Minister Anthony, accompanied by Assistant Director of Youth, Davenand Ramdatt and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd, used the opportunity to commend the students on their performance and discipline thus far.
“We are here to work with you and give opportunity to young people and help them become employable,” Minister Anthony said.
He told the students that learning is a continuous process and the ministry is offering that opportunity to catalyse their education and make it a pleasant journey.
KKTC is one of the few institutions where a child can learn and receive a stipend at the end of the month. Minister Anthony stated that his ministry recognises that young people need such opportunities, and if they utilise them well, they can go on to greater things.
This year, 221 students graduated from the institution and are working in their communities, and the Youth Minister urged the students to do the same when they would have moved on.
Apart from the skills training, KKTC also offers a more holistic development, teaching life skills on topics such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and substance abuse.  “We want you to have the knowledge in order to make the right choices, be peer-educators and role models to other young people,” he said.
Identifying some of the courses offered at the institution under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills training (YEST), he charged the students to pay special attention to the Driving course which will see them leaving the institution with their driver’s licence.
Assistant Youth Director Ramdatt acknowledged that new and emerging trends of technical and vocational training are much needed in society and the students should consider themselves fortunate.
He stated that YEST continues to partner with other organisations, especially the private sector, to enhance youth entrepreneurial skills. He also applauded the management and staff of the institution for a job well done thus far.
KKTC Administrator Shabbir Ali mentioned that this year the institution saw more disciplined students, accountability of staff and better meals while reading and writing skills  improved.
Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd said it is opportune for the Education and Culture Youth and Sport Ministries to work together and strengthen the existing relationship. She also urged the students to make use of the opportunities afforded them.
The luncheon was punctuated with dances, songs and drama by the students, and all those who performed well in sports activities were awarded trophies.