–170 graduate from across Guyana at Kuru Kuru Training Centre

“IN this ever-evolving world, it is important that you keep building your capacity, so as to remain sufficiently informed and relevant,” Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, urged the graduates at the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme’s 19th graduation ceremony.

Over 170 youths from across Guyana graduated from the YEST programme, on Thursday, at the Kuru-Kuru Training Centre, Linden, Soesdyke Highway.

The 10-month training programme covered the areas of business studies, carpentry, electrical installation, furniture making, garment construction, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing and sheet metal, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and welding and fabrication.
Mark Rodrigues of Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, was named best graduating student. The 18-year-old, who is now certified in Electrical Installation, noted that he was not “doing anything” before the programme, however, his ambition now is to continue moving forward.

Other outstanding graduates in their area of specialisation were Cleon France, Carpentry; I-Zion Iah, Data Operations; Romeo Peneux, Furniture Making; Tamara Dey, Garment Making; Clinton Ambrose, Masonry; Aricia Stephen, Motor Vehicle Repairs; Menelek Adridge, Plumbing; Roy Lambert, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Devandra Persaud, Welding.

Norton applauded them, for their commitment, persistence and fortitude towards the programme and their self-development, in his address to the graduates.
According to the minister, the YEST programme has helped thousands of young Guyanese people to develop the necessary skills to obtain higher education, find lucrative and legal employment, or to even enter the world of entrepreneurship.

“The YEST programme encourages independence on various levels. It helps our young people to become more adaptable; it allows them the opportunity to explore new spaces and interact with different persons and developing new interests, thereby broadening their perspectives on life itself. You have experienced positive changes in your life,” he noted.
Norton added, “More importantly, being here, at this institution puts our young people in an ideal position to fully grasp the concept of social cohesion, and understand the importance of working together for the betterment of our Guyana.”

“Share your knowledge with other young people, especially from your community, so that they too can become exposed to what this facility has to offer,” Norton encouraged the graduates.

Another aspect of the training offered at the institution, is remedial Mathematics, English Language, Information Technology and Entrepreneurship.

The graduation saw in attendance acting Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce; staff of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport; Educators and relatives of the graduates.