IN an effort to ensure that every student acquires essential information, abilities, and skills, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programme, organised a one-week workshop from July 15 to July 19 for students across various regions in the country.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Yonette Crandon, an Agriculture Officer with the TVET Unit, emphasised the primary goal of the workshop: promoting skill training to as many students as possible nationwide.
“We want our students to be able to develop their skills, despite their regular work at school,” Crandon explained. “In the school system, most of our children do a lot of theory, even though they are exposed to practical work as well. So, we are working on reinforcing that aspect for them and taking it to another step. I am pleased to say that within one week of having this programme with them, 14–16-year-old boys and girls have developed and some have almost mastered their skill, and now they can return to school and share with their peers how certain things are made or being done.”
The workshop, which hosted 20 students per centre, ran from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs daily, with occasional extensions based on the students’ enthusiasm. The participants, aged 14 to 16, were exposed to six diverse programmes including basic electronics, pastry making, entrepreneurship, agro-processing, and art. These programmes were designed to enhance their academic skills through practical application.
Crandon praised the Guyana government for its swift support, ensuring that all necessary materials were provided for the workshop. “These students didn’t have to come with anything; everything was provided for them, from materials to adequate water, juice, lunch, and snacks. We must thank our government for being so supportive and recognising the need for our young people to be equipped with the necessary skills after leaving school.”
Throughout the workshop, Crandon observed the excitement and collaboration among the students. “I cannot express how happy and pleasing it is to see these students discover and help each other along this journey. They have not only demonstrated their ability to master their skills, but they have also shown the importance of working and learning together and from each other.”
Crandon concluded by encouraging students to value and take advantage of acquiring skills both during and after their schooling, as these skills will benefit them throughout their lives. Highlighting the agriculture sector, she noted, “It doesn’t have to be a full-time job; because it’s a skill, you can still be a person who works in an office and supplies a business with fillet fish or any other product that you are versed in. Having a part-time job will not only benefit you, but it will also benefit your family as well. Because of the massive development in tourism in the country, there is a demand for certain quality of produce and skills.” Crandon also emphasised the economic benefits of having an additional skill.
The TVET workshop stands as a testament to the importance of practical skill development in empowering the youth of Guyana, preparing them for a brighter and more versatile future.