THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) hosted a graduation ceremony yesterday for 36 youths who completed a six-week ‘Work Readiness Workshop’ conducted by Youth Challenge International-Guyana.

The ceremony at Regency Suites Hotel in Hadfield Street, Georgetown, was for participants between 16 and 24 years old, mostly male, sponsored by the United States Embassy.
They were the second group to graduate from this training course.
Speaking to them at the function, US Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Brent Hardt said one of the programme’s objectives is to equip youths to utilise their unique skills, creativity and potential by providing the tools and refining techniques that help them to find employment and perform successfully in the workplace.
He told them: “I suspect that some of the content and exercises during the six-week course were challenging and, perhaps, stretched your comfort levels. But you succeeded and now should be confident in applying what you have learned.”

Advantage
According to the diplomat, the graduates have an advantage that will help them become successful employees and entrepreneurs.
“You finished this course with a better understanding of yourself- your strengths and your weaknesses as an individual. You now know how to put together an impressive resume` and cover letter that attracts the attention of prospective employers, therefore, making you more competitive when seeking jobs,” he advised them.
Hardt also observed that they had refined their interviewing skills and the way they present themselves, so that they can market themselves to prospective employers.
He pointed out that not only will the knowledge and skills they have gained from this programme help them to achieve success, but the same determination they have shown in completing the programme can help them to move forward and face the many challenges that life will present.
The envoy congratulated the youths on reaching this milestone and gave them his best wishes for their future success.
The SKYE project expands education, skill-building and employment for at-risk youths in Guyana, with the goal of reducing youth crime and violence by strengthening economic participation and civic engagement.
A total of 605 at-risk youths in Regions 4 (Demerara/Mahaica); 6(East Berbice/Corentyne); 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essquibo), and 10(Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) will receive work readiness training by August 2013, under the USAID/SKYE scheme.