THE Human Services and Social Security Ministry is one that is committed to the sustainable development and rehabilitation of the elderly, women and children, while also providing training, social and welfare services/programmes to persons in difficult circumstances and disadvantaged persons.
The ministry spearheads initiatives and programmes that target survivors of domestic and sexual abuse/ violence, the elderly, persons with disabilities, survivors of trafficking in persons, neglected and abused children, and teen mothers and single parents.
Headed by its visionary leader, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the ministry within the last four years has managed to empower a number of women (and some men) through its various skill development courses and programmes to enhance leadership capabilities of youths countrywide.
Recently, participants of the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, which has been doing an extraordinary job at empowering women and young girls, and the City and Guilds certified programme through WIIN and Nation’s Inc., partnership provided feedback on these initiatives.
The WIIN programme, which was implemented in 2021 and championed by Dr. Persaud, has empowered more than 17,000 women with crucial skills and tools they need to start their successful business ventures.
One of the participants, Delicia DaSilva of Grant Strong Hope, Pomeroon River Region Two successfully completed the garment construction course through WIIN.
“The journey was incredibly amazing and also challenging at the same time. I’ve learned techniques from foundational skills to creating my own pieces,” DaSilva remarked.
Thanking Minister Persaud and the government for this opportunity, the young woman said that now that she has completed the training, she is confident that she can do more with her developed skill and will be able to create more pieces.
“Yes there is a small business in vision after this. At least I will start small, and then hopefully I get there,” DaSilva related.
Apart from WIIN courses like garment construction, graphic design, photography, and project management, WIIN has partnered with Nations Inc., and City and Guilds, allowing women access to free training, especially in those fields that are considered male-dominated, further changing that stereotype.
Just recently, 163 individuals graduated from an array of technical and vocational courses. The cohort comprised of 102 females and 62 males, demonstrating the programme’s broad reach. The graduates earned specialisations in carpentry, electrical installation, welding and plumbing to name a few.
Emily Sookraj who was part of this batch, said she found out about the course through Facebook, and proceeded to apply. “Gave some specific information and then waited for two months I think and then I got a call,” she said, adding that she is thankful to the ministry and Nations Inc. for facilitating her participation in the programme.
Another participant, (name not mentioned) said she participated in the project management course through WIIN prior to signing up for the City and Guilds plumbing programme.
She acknowledged that it was a fun journey and noted that she now has in-depth knowledge of the different parts of the pipe.
“I really want to extend thanks to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for giving us this opportunity. I’m sure both males and females are going to benefit from it. So again, thank you,” she affirmed.
Ronaldo Torrington, a male participant, offered thanks to the government and the ministry for providing persons with the opportunity to gain hands-on and practical experience through WIIN.
