FIFTY-three persons from Mashabo, the Essequibo Coast and the Island of Wakenaam have graduated from a series of skill training programmes conducted by the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise Centre at Zorg-en-Vulght.

The graduates were taught cosmetology, catering and fabric design/tye dying.
At the simple yet memorable graduation held at the Sunrise Centre, Region Two, on Thursday, manager of the facility, Meenawattie (only name given), said management was happy to offer the programmes to Region Two and Region Three communities.
She said it was the first time the Guyana Foundation administered three skill training programmes in the remote areas.

Giving an overview of the programmes, Meenawattie said the fabric design programme commenced in February 2019 in Mashabo and was facilitated by Abeloa Garraway. The cosmetologist programme was conducted by Jem Britton and the Catering classes were done on the Island of Wakenaam by Glynis Streete.

The manager also reported that each group gave back meaningfully to their community and remarked that the cosmetology class offered free manicure, pedicure and facial on Mother’s Day. Items from the cooking classes were also donated to the Arthurville Primary School.

“From these skill training programmes, every participant has gained knowledge and a skill that can impact their lives positively. This is the 4th batch of participants for the Sunrise Centre and we are proud,” Meenawattie said.

Delivering the charge to the graduating class was District Regional Education Officer (Secondary) Deodat Singh, who encouraged the participants to put the skills gained to practical use.

“Use this skill improvement to enhance and elevate your life, be creative and compassionate, this is an opportunity to extend you skills,” Singh said.

One of the best graduating student, Anmalitia Hinds, said the knowledge she gained has definitely changed her life. She said her cooking skills have tremendously improved and she will be looking at starting a pastry shop on the Island of Wakenaam. She thanked the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise Centre, especially founde, Supriya Singh-Bodden, for the opportunity provided to her.

The Sunrise Centre, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, was established in 2015. The centre opened its doors to the people of Region Two in an effort to help improve the lives of the less fortunate in the various communities. Some of the activities of the centre include skill training programmes, after school programmes, counselling, mental health presentations, summer classes, sensitisation programmes through community outreaches, community projects and kids Christmas social.