OVER 100 residents from and around the community of Black Bush Polder, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are currently benefitting from various skills training through the ‘IMPACT ME!!!’ programme.

The training, conducted at the Mibicuri Developers Centre, Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, commenced in February, 2021 and being is facilitated by Justice Corp (Guyana) Inc, in collaboration with Eletra Foundation, Community Open-Door Alliance and TIVA College.

However, it is not limited to residents of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), as it is also currently being conducted in three other administrative regions, with the intent to eventually cover each region and touch the lives of at least 2,000 individuals.

Over 500 persons from Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon – Supernaam); Paradise, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara – Mahaica) and Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice) are currently participating in the training.

The programme will be initiated at the St. Swithen Anglican Church, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, within the next two weeks, and the other regions between May to August, 2021.

The Executive Director of Justice Corp (Guyana) Inc, who prefers to be referred to only as ‘Ms. Persaud’, told the Sunday Chronicle that her attention was recently drawn to a letter published in the April 4, 2021 edition of the Stabroek News, written by a resident of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, highlighting the plights of residents of that community.

She noted that the organisation would like to encourage the author of her letter, and other residents from the locality, to make contact with the organisation so that they may be able to participate in the training, or the execution of the initiative.

The IMPACT ME project was designed to offer skills training to participants who will be equipped with life skills that can create better livelihoods through job employment, entrepreneurship and/or can help them to make meaningful contributions to their communities by taking up leadership roles.

It is open to unemployed, unskilled and semi-skilled individuals, including, but not limited to, school drop-outs, teenage mothers and fathers, slow-leaners, differently-abled individuals, single parents, stay-at-home mothers and widows, of all age groups, with specific attention to persons ages 18 to 40.

It is a two-fold project; phase one is the training aspect which has two semesters. The first semester focuses on theoretical and practical training of each subject area, while the second semester will offer entrepreneurship and leadership training to further prepare students for the second phase.

The second semester consists of the enterprising aspect, whereby entrepreneurial skills will be learnt and applied to each respective area in a practical way by initiating small or medium-size business ventures. Phase two, entitled ‘SPREAD’ – the acronym for Specialise, Produce, Reap, Earn, Advance and Drive – focuses on the implementation of what was accomplished in the first phase.

A diverse range of courses are being offered as part of the initiative, including computer technology, fabric arts, sewing, entrepreneurship and leadership, catering, cosmetology, mechanics, carpentry, masonry and foundational academics (mathematics and English language).

A number of persons volunteered with the organisation to facilitate the courses and assist with the delivery of the training, including untrained, trained, retired teachers and persons who are the holders of tertiary level degrees and diplomas.

Ms. Persaud noted that the Guyana Police Force has also played a major role in the initiative as they conduct the computer technology aspect of the training in Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon – Supernaam).

However, she explained that one of the impediments to the execution of the programme is a lack of funding as the initiative is funded entirely by Justice Corp (Guyana) Inc, with the assistance of kind donors. Justice Corp (Guyana) Inc has written to various organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and different government ministries, with hopes of securing funding to expand the programme.

A total of 150 participants from the community of Yarrowkabra, situated along the Soesdyke Linden Highway, graduated from the programme in December, 2020 and received certificates to indicate completion of the courses. Persons are urged to contact Justice Corp (Guyana) Inc., to sign up for the programme which is free of cost; participants are required to pay only a $1,000 registration fee.

The organisation’s office is located at Lot 102 Sandeman Place, Brickdam, Stabroek. Contact can also be made on telephone numbers (592) 603 2763 or 225 6862.

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Caption: Participants at the Mibicuri Developers Centre, Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Berbice, Region Six participating in one of the skills training courses

Photo saved as: Justice Corp 2

Caption: A display of some chicken patties during one of the catering classes