MORE than 750 students graduated yesterday from the Secondary School Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP), emerging with skills in a number of key areas, thus signalling that they are prepared for further training or for the world of work. The second graduation ceremony since the implementation of this programme was held at the National Cultural Centre, and was attended by scores of supporters and well-wishers, including Education Minister Shaik Baksh and other top education officials.
In underscoring the importance of the programme, Minister Baksh explained that it was designed with the aim to improve students’ attendance, reduce in schools the number of drop-outs, and enhance quality and relevance in the area of technical and vocational education at the grades nine and 10 levels.
“Skills for development are priority for the Government of Guyana, and huge investments have been made in this area in response to the goals and targets set out in the Education Strategic Plan, to advance technical vocational education and training (TVET) and information communication and technology (ICT), among other areas,” he explained.
He noted that the SCCP was introduced in recognition of the fact, that the system must respond comprehensively to the needs of the country through means other than academic initiatives.
According to Minister Baksh, the programme has already begun to deliver on its projected targets, as drop-out rates have already been halved, which is in itself an achievement for Guyana.
He said, “SCCP is implemented in  59 schools and practical instructional centres (PICs)  nationwide … we are well on the way to achieving results  of the Education Strategic Plan, and we will continue to expand  this programme to all regions  within another year.”
Alluding to the advantages of the initiative, he encouraged those gathered to take advantage of all the opportunities provided through the SCCP. As graduates, they will be able to secure employment with their skills, join apprenticeship schemes, or opt to advance their training.
More importantly, many will have the option of opening their own businesses and exploring all the advantages of entrepreneurship, he added.

Higher education
Minister Baksh described the SCCP as the base from which students can either pursue Caribbean secondary education certification (CSEC) in the technical/vocational stream of secondary schools, or apply to a technical institute to further specialise in a particular skill.
He told the students that their next step is the Caribbean Vocational qualification (CVQ).
The CVQ is based on a competency approach to training, assessment and certification. Candidates are expected to demonstrate competency to attain occupational standards developed by practitioners, industry experts and employers. When approved by CARICOM, those standards will allow for portability across the region.
Minister Baksh highlighted that more resources are being invested into the practical instruction centres (PIC) and the TVET Centre, to ensure that students possess the skills, innovation and creativity to move the country forward.
In that context, he charged the graduates to apply themselves to their studies, and to take advantage of their opportunities. He also urged the parents, teachers and other stakeholders to play supporting roles in the process of the students’ development.
“Everyone needs to be on board,” he maintained.
The education minister also pointed out that the integration of behavioural skills is as important as the acquisition of vocational skills.
“Your attitude to work is also important; you must have good communication skills. Punctuality is vital, and so (are) integrity and dependability. These are all integral parts of the programme, and unless you have the right behavioural skills, you will not succeed,” Baksh cautioned.
The minister took the opportunity to highlight the strides made in advancing ITC in the country.
The best graduating student was Kaushal Ramdass of Aurora Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast. The second best graduating student was Kelly Lall of Parika/Salem Secondary School.
Meanwhile, SCCP Unit Coordinator Aubrey Overton declared that last year had been challenging, but he lauded the support the unit had received from partners, especially the Ministry of Education.

Core subjects
Students study four core subjects in the SCCP: Language and Communication, Mathematics, Integrated Science and General Studies. They have an option to choose one technical/vocational subject from the following list: Agricultural Science, Industrial Technology, Home Economics, and Visual Arts.
Students who successfully complete the programme are certified by the Ministry of Education as having acquired the knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes that are essential for entry into the world of work. They can thus continue their education, or embark on further training.
Those who do not complete all of the requirements for certification are given a transcript indicating the areas in which they have demonstrated competency.
Grade A is between 80 and 100 per cent, Grade B ranges from 61 to 80 per cent, and Grade C from 41 to 60 per cent. Grades below 41 per cent are not certified.
Baksh said the education sector must cater to the different needs and aptitudes of those who pass through the system.