— Initiative promotes entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and preservation of cultural heritage

INDIGENOUS youths from remote hinterland villages recently benefitted from a hands-on craft training programme aimed at equipping them with entrepreneurial and life skills to foster self-employment and community development.
The training, funded by an overseas partner during a recent visit to Guyana, was held at the Youth Learning Centre of the Bina Hill Institute, Annai, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo).
According to Principal of the Youth Learning Centre, Medino Abraham, the two-day session featured impactful activities centred on forestry and Guyana’s timber and non-timber value chains. The programme included interactive demonstrations and expert-led presentations by both Canadian and local forest and craft specialists.

Abraham highlighted that a key feature of the event was a cultural showcase where artisans from North Rupununi exhibited locally-made art and craft items.
Among those was a standout demonstration on weaving chairs from the Cuffa /Kufa vine — a natural material abundant in Region Nine’s forests.
The session was led by a skilled group from the Pomeroon, Region Two, who shared their traditional techniques and business journey in transforming Cuffa vines into elegant furniture for homes and social events.
He pointed out that students, particularly those with prior experience in plaiting, found the technique to be accessible and engaging.
Abraham told the Guyana Chronicle that during the demonstration the presenter elaborated on the abundance of the Cuffa vine in the Pomeroon and other forested areas of Guyana.
“He shared insights into his family’s entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how they have built a thriving business centred on sustainably harvesting the Cuffa vine and skilfully transforming it into exquisite furniture tailored for homes and social events,” Abraham explained.
He noted that the initiative not only showcased innovation within Guyana’s hinterland but also demonstrated the potential for community-based enterprises built on traditional craftsmanship.
Abraham added that the Cuffa chair represents a significant artefact of Guyanese cultural heritage, symbolising comfort, creativity, and tradition.
“These distinctive pieces of furniture are frequently featured in eco-lodges, tourist attraction places, restaurants and hotels, playing a vital role in various events aimed at captivating visitors,” he said.
The Bina Hill Institute, established in 2001 through the vision of former Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Vice President, Sydney Allicock, provides technical and life-skills training for Indigenous youths aged 18 to 25 from Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine.
The institute, which receives subvention from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, currently has 26 students and five staff members under Abraham’s leadership.
A native of Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One, Abraham has long been engaged in youth development work in Aishalton, South Rupununi, before assuming his current role.
He explained that after completing training, students are encouraged to return to their villages to apply their new skills—creating and marketing craft products that generate income while preserving Indigenous traditions.