OVER 300 young people from Moblissa, a community on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, will soon be exposed to the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme, as the government continues to address the issue of unemployment among youths.
Minister within Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe made the announcement during government’s recent fan out exercise in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) where they sought to address the concerns of the residents.
In making the announcement, Minister Garrido-Lowe explained that HEYS is an initiative of President David Granger that forms part of his ten-point programme.
The minister said while several communities from Region 10 have benefitted significantly through two cohorts, given the concerns of the residents of Moblissa, some 300 young men and women from that community will be allowed to be a part of the programme.
Her commitment was greeted with loud rounds of applause from residents and the visiting team which included Minister of the Citizenship, Winston Felix; Region 10 Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Regional Vice-Chairman of Region 10, Elroy Adolph; and Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Four, Earl Lambert among others.
Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that since the implementation of the programme, hundreds of young people have gained employment while others have become self-employed, thereby aiding in the reduction of unemployment collectively.
Minister Garrido-Lowe said during the first six months of the 12-month programme, participants undergo theoretical training in several areas such as entrepreneurship, business and agriculture. Thereafter, they are engaged in field activities that equip them with the requisite skills needed for employment. Participants who successfully craft their business proposals receive a grant of $50,000 each. That aside, every participant receives a stipend of $30,000 to assist them with their transportation and other expenses.
Minister Garrido-Lowe said the government remains committed to enhancing the lives of young people.
