– 25 men, women graduate from City and Guilds Masonry training

GUYANESE passionate about early childcare development have now been given the training as well as the capital to pursue ventures of their own through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

On Tuesday, the ministry announced that $100,000 cash grants will soon be distributed to each of 50 graduates of its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Level Three programme.

Speaking at the simple graduation ceremony where the announcement was made, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, described the $5 million investment as a step towards developing Guyana’s women, workforce, and by extension the nation.

Fifty women from across Guyana gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to graduate under the ministry’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Level Three programme.

Considered one of the ministry’s most comprehensive and in-demand courses, the training, offered by the CPA’s Early Childhood Development Unit in collaboration with the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), equips participants with advanced skills in child-centred learning and holistic development practices, ensuring they are fully prepared to provide high-quality care for young children across the country.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and Empower programmes, which have trained thousands nationwide in diverse skills.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Persaud highlighted the true impact of the programme, stating, “When we open the registration link, we have 10,000 women at the end of two weeks applying for the WIN programme,” she noted. “When we open the Empower link, we might have about 1,000 men. It tells me while we’re galloping with the empowerment of women, we must also ensure the men are in this journey, so our country can benefit from all its people.”

More than 3,200 persons have already benefitted from levels one and two childcare training, with over 1,000 trained in early childhood development awareness across Guyana. The Level Three programme, developed in partnership with the University of Guyana, builds on this foundation and prepares graduates for future specialisation. “So, level four will be coming,” Dr. Persaud announced. “That is the special needs education level, because when you are equipped as a caregiver, you must be fully equipped.”

Minister Persaud underscored that the Ministry’s approach does not end with certification. Through policies such as home-based care and partnerships with the private sector, graduates are being supported to translate their training into sustainable businesses and careers. “We invest in people, we invest in their development, their education, and the after-education so that they can gain financial stability and independence,” she said. “So, when you set up consortiums, your capital will not be coming from you alone. You have combined capital, and you must be able to withstand the shocks so your business can not only start but be sustained and grow.”

Sharing her experience in completing the Early Childhood Development programme, Natoya LaRose of Region Six said it was a journey that deepened her passion for nurturing children. “This programme has been an invaluable experience. It has equipped me with a deeper understanding of child development, early learning, and the importance of creating safe, structured, and nurturing environments for our children,” LaRose said.

She explained that her time spent in a daycare setting gave her the chance to put theory into practice, while witnessing firsthand the positive effect that quality care has on children. “I developed and applied theory to practice while observing firsthand the positive impact that quality care can have on young lives,” she reflected. Looking ahead, she pledged to bring professionalism and compassion to her work. “I remain committed to contributing positively to the growth and development of children who represent the future of our nation,” LaRose affirmed.

MASONRY PROGRAMME

The graduation also featured participants of the City and Guilds masonry programme, which included 25 men and women. Dr. Persaud praised their achievement, urging all graduates to continue advancing their skills. “Whether it’s in early childhood development or masonry, don’t stop here,” she encouraged. “Deliver your service with integrity and excellence. Think of every child as your own, every project as your own, and blaze a trail that lifts Guyana higher.”

From the classroom to the construction site, the UK City and Guilds masonry programme has also opened new opportunities for men and women alike. One graduate, Candace Ross, described her entry into the programme as both challenging and rewarding. “I was kind of shaky about it because it’s masonry. And most times, masonry is male,” she admitted. “But I decided to give it a try. And it was so exciting. I did enjoy the programme.” Ross explained that her success in the course has motivated her to pursue even more training. “I have been registered to do the project management course because it gave me the courage just to move from one course to another,” she said. For Ross and many women across Guyana, the programme has not only broken stereotypes but also opened doors to lifelong learning and professional growth.