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According to Assistant Director of Youth in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Devanand Ramdat, the government provides social rehabilitation to students during their stay at the NOC.
Ramdat said for 2013, 115 students were presented with certificates at a very impressive graduation ceremony on Friday at the NOC at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast.
They completed studies in agriculture science, catering, electrical installation, handicraft, information technology, joinery, carpentry, garment construction, welding and fabrication under the YEST programme and motor mechanic, carpentry, information technology and welding and fabrication under the Technical Vocational Education programme.
The Assistant Director who has responsibility for the administration of the juvenile correctional facility said many good things are happening at the NOC which are not widely known.
Ambassadors of NOC
He pointed to the production of vegetables, meat and handicraft, and commended UNICEF for its help in the programme. Ramdat also applauded the performance of the students and called on them to become ambassadors of the NOC.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Alfred King said his ministry is providing opportunities to young people at the correctional facility to reintegrate into society.
King said the students have done well and he called on them to be good ambassadors. He said the institution is on the right path towards reintegration of students into society and recognised the partnership between UNICEF and the juvenile correctional facility.
Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Marianne Flack said the graduation was very important as the children have learnt and have a second chance to pursue their dreams. Flack called on them to dream more and do more, adding that she is looking forward to seeing much more growth and development at the institution. She also pledged UNICEF’s continued support to the NOC.
The New Opportunity Corps, Guyana’s only juvenile correctional facility, provides social rehabilitation to young offenders between the ages of 10 and 17. On January 30, 2013, NOC commenced Course No.2 of the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme[YEST] which provides youths with life skills, technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills in a disciplined environment.
The first course was launched at the NOC in 2011, 133 years after the establishment of what was then known as the Essequibo Boys’ School with 19 students graduating last year. This year has seen a total of 115 students graduating, an increase of 96 more young people being trained at the facility.
Region 2 Vice Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo also congratulated the students and presented certificates to them.
