MORE than 40 Lindeners received much-needed training in the field of entrepreneurship at a time when the town continues to face a high rate of unemployment.The Self-worth and Entrepreneurship Programme was facilitated by Come Alive Network Incorporated (CANI). CANI is a non-governmental and not-for- profit organisation established to actively support youth development through the use of applied global perspectives to effectively contribute to genuine and progressive community and global development.

The self-worth and entrepreneurship training, which targeted persons between the ages of 14 and 30, was one laced with practical activities which underscored the importance of being able to inspire effective and continuous teamwork in communities. Additionally, it reinforced the importance of embracing individuality and disciplining one’s self in order to be successful. The training took place last Saturday at the Watooka Guest House at Mackenzie, Linden.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CANI Managing Director, Kadeem Gordon, said the workshop was held in response to calls by Lindeners, who had taken note of the entrepreneurship workshop which was held in Berbice last September. Based on that, Gordon said, the idea to host a similar workshop in Linden was birthed and CANI member, Kiamsha Carter, was appointed Project Coordinator.

“It became obvious from engagements that indeed, this town does grapple with the issue of unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people,” Gordon said.

According to the Director, the response was tremendous, explaining that the participants had to collectively face the challenges and achieve the goals established to unfold their hidden capabilities and talents.

Members of CANI, who were the presenters for the one-day training, zeroed in on the many ways in which young entrepreneurs and leaders can market themselves; more particularly, principles that are foundational to starting and maintaining small businesses.

Resume and CV writing was foremost on the agenda, along with the qualities and practices of successful leaders. “This was certainly well received by the participants and is intended to assist them not only in their businesses which they now plan to embark on or their job, but also in their homes with families and even at the community level,” Gordon said in the statement.

Participants reportedly praised the initiative and invited the CANI team to establish a sustained presence in the mining town of Linden in order to assist with the development of this region, particularly geared with a youth focus.

“The team was very receptive to this request, thanking all in attendance for their participation and committed to assisting in as many regards as possible as the work continues to bring youth more to the fore of national involvement,” the Director noted.

It is CANI’s hope that young Guyanese become more aware of how imperative it is for them to develop themselves now as they will and are currently being called on to lead both nationally and internationally.

In addition to this programme, school shoes were also distributed to approximately 20 students from various institutions as part of our ongoing national shoes drive effort.

In executing this training programme, CANI received the support and commitment of the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission, in addition to Vishnu Doerga, Action Coach Guyana, the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), Floor-it Guyana, Eco Atlantic Investment Company, NICIL, the Carters, JACS restaurant, Lasleek Fashion and Le Shanette’s Cupcakes & Treats.

It is CANI’s intention to raise funds to embark on an International Exchange with Suriname in the month of July, as well as for its other projects. Persons interested in inquiring and making donations to the work can make contact with CANI On 645-0657/ 638-1020/ 617-8410 or its email comealivenetwork@gmail.com.

Over the years CANI has been able to facilitate a number of major projects such as the Annual ‘JUST Youth-IT’ conference, ‘CANI Connect’ three month training programme, Community outreach initiatives, Sophia Care Centre youth engagement effort and our annual Shoes drive.