– institute continues to build skilled talent for Guyana’s hinterland economy
ELEVEN Indigenous youths are poised to begin careers in Guyana’s tourism, agriculture and natural resource sectors after graduating from the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre (BHI/YLC), highlighting the institution’s growing contribution to workforce development and sustainable economic growth in the hinterland.
Several members of the graduating class have already secured employment with organisations including the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Santa Fe Farm, the Canopy Walkway and other tourism enterprises, demonstrating the increasing demand for the practical skills and technical training offered by the institute.
The graduates received their certificates during the Bina Hill Institute’s 17th graduation ceremony, held recently at its campus in Annai Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), after successfully completing the centre’s two-year technical and vocational education programme.
Drawn from communities across Region Nine and Phillipai Village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the graduates completed training in a broad range of disciplines designed to prepare them for employment while strengthening the social and economic development of their communities.
Their studies covered natural resource management, sustainable forestry, agriculture, tourism, information technology, entrepreneurship, leadership development, mathematics, English, sewing, craft production, dance, the Macushi language and essential life skills.
The programme reflects the institute’s mission of combining technical education with Indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the employment needs of Guyana’s expanding hinterland economy while maintaining strong cultural ties.
Former Bina Hill students Bernie Robertson and Grace Albert addressed the graduating class, encouraging the new graduates to use the knowledge, discipline and leadership skills they acquired to serve their villages and contribute to national development.
Delivering the valedictory address, top graduating student, Fred Joseph, reflected on the personal growth and challenges experienced during the two-year journey.
He expressed gratitude to the institute’s tutors, staff, trustees, parents and fellow students for their guidance and unwavering support, noting that the experience had transformed the graduates into confident young leaders prepared to embrace new opportunities.
The graduation ceremony also showcased Indigenous culture through a series of performances celebrating heritage and identity.
Students recited the National Anthem and National Pledge in the Macushi language before performing the graduation song, We Made It Through, underscoring the institute’s commitment to preserving Indigenous languages alongside academic and vocational excellence.
The event concluded with a luncheon attended by graduates, parents, village leaders, regional officials, trustees, tutors and invited guests.
Established in 2001, the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre remains the only technical and vocational training institution in Region Nine dedicated specifically to providing Indigenous youths with a second opportunity to pursue education and gain practical skills.
Over the past 25 years, the institute has graduated more than 400 students, many of whom have gone on to careers in conservation, forestry, tourism, agriculture, education and community development across Guyana’s hinterland.
As Guyana continues to expand opportunities in eco-tourism, sustainable forestry and climate-focused development, institutions such as Bina Hill are playing an increasingly important role in preparing Indigenous youths to participate in, and benefit from, the country’s economic transformation.
Supported through subventions from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the institute continues to build local capacity by combining vocational training with leadership development and cultural education. Under the leadership of Principal Medino Abraham, Bina Hill has become a key pillar of Indigenous education, producing graduates who are helping to strengthen communities while contributing to Guyana’s broader sustainable development agenda.
