– 96 youths graduate in catering, data operation, masonry, refrigeration, plumbing, welding & fabrication from the Sophia Training Centre

ON Tuesday, August 27, 2019, 96 youths of the Sophia Training Centre graduated from the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme.

The programme specifically targeted young persons between the ages of 16-25, who were unable to complete their secondary education and needed a second chance at an education; the course #34 commenced on February 18, 2019 with one hundred and twenty-six unskilled trainees at the Sophia Training Centre; for the duration of six months.
Students were taught the fundamentals, with resources available, combined skills with training and entrepreneurship, which will help them to further their education to the tertiary level, obtain jobs or start their own businesses.

In his feature address at the graduation ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre, the Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, expressed immense pleasure with the graduating class of 2019.

“I am encouraged to see so many students have weathered the storm and complete this program. I would have been much happier to have 100 per cent graduating from those who have been registered. However, ninety-six students have graduated and I want the country and society out there to know that we have 96 youths who have turned a new leaf in their lives and are prepared to make a positive impact,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the graduating trainees will reap from the rewards of the programme.

Minister Norton also told the graduates that it takes immense courage to lift oneself up and try again, hence they should stand with pride as they graduate from this programme. He encouraged them to further develop their skills and trade so that they may have a better future.

He pointed out that the males of today’s society have a tendency of referring to another as ‘boss man’ however, he encouraged the graduates to not adapt to the cliché but aspire to be the boss of their own businesses.

Isaiah knights, the best graduating trainee, who studied plumbing, related to this newspaper that in the beginning, he experienced some difficulty as the skill of plumbing was new to him; however, he persevered with the support of his teachers and fellow trainees.

The 17-year-old Knights, who joined the programme after completing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC) in 2018, expressed tremendous joy with his achievements. He intends to join the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Tanisha Browne, who was rewarded for outstanding performances in Mathematics, English Language and Data Operation, spoke briefly about her experience in the YEST Programme.
She said “at first I wanted to dropout because of the number of persons I saw in the class but I pulled through and I’m grateful for my achievements.” She was also awarded the most disciplined trainee. Browne intends furthering her education to pursue a career in the medical field.

Ryheem Anthony, who studied refrigeration and air conditioning intends to start his own business. Anthony was also given the opportunity to showcase his musical talent at the graduation ceremony, when he sang the song ‘World’s greatest’, written by R. Kelly.
When asked about his choice of song for the ceremony Anthony explained, “I experienced some difficulty in finding a song that would be relatable for me and my colleagues, but after listening to the lyrics of this song [singing] (I’m that star up in the sky I’m that mountain peak up high Hey I made it, hmm I’m the world’s greatest, I’m that little bit of hope when my back’s against the ropes I can feel it, hmm I’m the world’s greatest), it was perfect for graduation.”

Brian King, the Senior Training Officer (STO), expressed immense pleasure with the graduating class of 2019. He quoted the words of Oprah Winfrey,”The key to realising a dream is to focus not on success but on significance –- and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.”

King encouraged the graduating class to continue to strive for success in their future endeavours and to never accept failure.

Also in attendance at the graduating ceremony were Permanent Secretary, Melisa Tucker and Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce of the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

The programme commenced in the year 2000, under the Guyana National Service and has since changed management and is now under the Ministry of The Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.