THE USAID-funded Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Project yesterday presented certificates to 20 youths in the Employer Partnership Forum and Awards Ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.In his feature address, Christopher Cushing, Mission Director USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean, stressed the importance of partnerships for success, such as the SKYE project which saw 202 youths participating and new business start-ups.

He spoke of the benefits of the SKYE project in the private sector and government partnership which is successful and long-reaching, in which new businesses were formed after youths were exposed to work-ready training.

Cushing noted that strategic partnerships are necessary for a safer and prosperous Guyana, for the reduction of crime and youth violence in which youths are given a second chance to attain a lifeskill to be gainfully employed.

He talked about the need for investment in youths and for that the U.S. Government remains committed to the project through partnerships.

Cushing said 202 youths were successful in the SKYE project and 80 youths benefited from alternative sentencing; as such, they have made available $37M for the project for 2015 to 2019 and urged other companies to get on board to enhance the lives of youths in Guyana in the Caribbean Security Basin initiative.

Dale Erskine, Juvenile Justice and Gender Specialist, said SKYE expands skill-building and employment opportunities for at-risk youth in Guyana, with the goal of reducing youth crime and violence by strengthening economic participation and civic engagement.

He added that the five-year project provides targeted alternative sentencing, work-ready training and livelihood-coaching opportunities for 2200 youths, ages 15-24, in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10, as well as at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

Chief of Party Magda Fiona Wills outlined the What and Who of SKYE yesterday, and highlighted the benefits after which testimonials were given by Brandon Singh and Shemroy Bourne.

Meanwhile, Karen Raphael, Youth Self-Employment Manager, outlined the “Be Your Own Boss” (BYOB) component which provides young people with education, information and support to develop their own businesses.

She said that the BYOB targets SKYE youth who have a genuine interest in business ownership and is a comprehensive component which encompasses both theoretical teachings and practical learning experience that provide a holistic perspective of business ownership.

Raphael spoke of the BYOB as opposed to the “Get rich quick syndrome,” noting that they need youths to find employment.

Certificates of completion were presented to the 20 graduates of SKYE new business start-ups and to the business community, including Ming’s Products and Services, BK International, GNIC, Qualfon, Giftland, GWI, GuySuCo, Timehri Handling Services, and GCCI, as well as the Government.

Chief Executive Officer of Ming’s Products and Services, Stanley Ming, said that he is an avid supporter of SKYE, noting the need for investment in youths and if they are treated with respect, the returns would be remarkable.

Also making remarks was Chloe Noble, Programme Management Specialist, USAID; Rawle Dundas, Workforce Development and Private Sector Specialist; and Ann Hershkowitz, Associate Project Director.