THE Youth Learning Centre at Bina Hill recently hosted its Tourism Open Day 2025 to promote, support and encourage young people to explore employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

The event was held under the theme, “Tourism: A Transformational Pillar of Guyana’s Economy,” and it was sponsored by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Principal of the Youth Learning Centre/Bina Hill Institute, Medino Abraham said the initiative aimed to promote and support the tourism course offered at the learning institute, focusing on empowering young learners to identify and explore potential opportunities within the tourism sector.

He added that the centre was founded in 2001 by Mr. Sydney Allicock, a former Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

It receives funding from the government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for most of its operations, Abraham said.

The principal stated that as the only institution of its kind in Guyana’s interior, it aims to provide life skills education to Indigenous youths, preparing them for job opportunities in a modern environment.

He reported that the tourism event attracted a diverse group of participants numbering about 80, most of whom were school children, young adults, tutors, and representatives from various organisations such as the Surama Wildlife Club, Eco lodges, the Canopy Walkway, and wildlife groups from Rupertee, Annai, and Kwatamang, all located in the North Rupununi District.

Abraham pointed out that activities included a visit to the centre’s organic vegetable garden and poultry farm.

He noted that the students from the Youth Learning Centre, along with visitors from the Annai communities, showcased cultural performances through traditional dances at the Benab, which was beautifully decorated with local materials reflecting the day’s theme of promoting ecotourism.

Abraham related that during the event, speakers from tourism organisations like Iwokrama delivered inspiring presentations, highlighting their successes and the opportunities available within the tourism sector.

They emphasised the importance of discipline, networking, dedication, and hard work in achieving success in entrepreneurial ventures.

In addition to the informative presentations, participants engaged in various outdoor activities designed by the students of the Youth Learning Centre, such as fishing for prizes, football goal striking, and balloon bursting etc.

These activities added to the festive atmosphere and offered opportunities for participants to win prizes.

Abraham stated that Iwokrama, a leading tourism entity located in the heart of Guyana, conducted on-the-spot job interviews for young individuals seeking employment opportunities.

The presence of former students who now work in management positions at Iwokrama, served as an encouraging example for others and demonstrated that the learning institution can be a springboard for producing graduates ready to enter the tourism industry, he said.

“Ecotourism is one of the courses offered by the Bina Hill Institute, aimed at promoting opportunities based on sustainable development, a requisite for contemporary advancements in Guyana and the hinterland,” Abraham said.