Written by Shirley Thomas
THE Board of Governors of the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College, D’Urban Backlands, has recently completed talks with the UK-based National Computing Centre (NCC), with a view to increasing the college’s course offerings at the tertiary level, according to Board Chairman, Mr. John Seeram.

The NCC is the National Computing Centre, a membership and research organisation, set up by the British Government, with the aim of promoting the effective use of Information Technology, and is the UK’s leading IT membership organisation serving corporate, vendor and government communities.
The chairman made this disclosure as he delivered his remarks at the 30th graduation ceremony of the college on Saturday, when 20 students graduated for the year 2013.
Noting that the institution continues to fill a pressing need for education in Guyana, Seeram acknowledged that the board is satisfied with the school’s performance, reiterating that it has improved significantly over the years.
However, he said the board is of the opinion that the number of graduates should be higher. “In this regard, I am pleased to announce that we have recently completed initial talks with NCC Education – UK Head Office, with regard to increasing our course offerings at the tertiary level,” Seeram, said.
He said, when implemented, this move will result in the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College offering under-graduate degree courses in the following areas:
(A) BUSINESS STUDIES:
* NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business
* NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business
(B) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
* NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing/Business IT
* NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing /Business IT
The chairman said that the diploma courses would be taught face to face by the teaching staff, using the materials provided by NCC. Additionally, on-line top-up tutorials would be done to allow students to complete these courses.
“This would be a tripartite arrangement between NCC and the college and these courses are fully accredited,” he assured. He added, “At this point I would like to notify you that NCC is in partnership with higher education institutions in most Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. To my mind, at this juncture of the college’s history, it is a step in the right direction.”
WORKSHOPS in 2014
The chairman added that in year 2014, the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College will be involved in conducting workshops/seminars, some over two days, others between three to five days, on topics related to the work environment for working staff in the public, private and co-operative sectors.
“In effect, this is staff development training and is aimed at increasing their skills and knowledge respectively, hence to the benefit of the staff and the organisation,” he stated.
INTERNSHIP TRAINING
The college will also embark on internship training of its students, so that their skills will be enhanced, thereby allowing the students to be in a more advantageous position when seeking employment.
Seeram noted that the development of the college’s curriculum is an ongoing exercise. He said once the Board of Governors is satisfied with the quality assurance, they will then move to extend the college’s education delivery across the 10 regions of Guyana. In this regard, no one should be denied the opportunity of receiving such valuable training, he said.
STAFF PRIORITY
Further, priority will be given to staff employed in various types of co-operatives since the college is required to focus, among other things, in this direction.
“Indeed, this college has a fundamental role, and it is to equip its students with the fundamentals that will allow them to develop their skills necessary in their contributions towards this country’s national development,” Seeram said.
Meanwhile, he said that, as the college moves in this direction, the board would have to take a closer look at the following areas:
* Staff Development: The present lecturing staff and those to be hired will need to update their academic qualifications and skills – either at local institutions or overseas. Through technical assistance pursue the possibility of obtaining lecturers to deliver lectures and train staff locally.
* Other Stakeholders Interest: Other stakeholders such as the private and co-operative sectors who have an interest in the college’s courses, will be invited on board, in making their contributions towards the institution’s success by sending their employees for training.
* Donors/Partnerships: There’s need to approach aid donors such as the CDB and IDB to provide technical assistance to train local staff overseas on the one hand, and to expand the present structure on the other.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, the chairman applauded the contribution of administrator of the college, Myrtle Richards, for her sterling contributions to the board and astute leadership as administrator of the college. She is due to proceed on retirement in early 2014.