IN a recent capacity-building initiative, 27 women from the communities of Mashabo and Mainstay successfully completed a training programme focused on food safety and management.
The training was organised by the Basic Needs Trust Fund Guyana (BNTF) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, on Tuesday.
The BNTF, in a press release, said the session provided comprehensive insights into Food Safety Standards and Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs), preparing the participants to effectively manage and sustain eco-restaurants and bakeries.
The programme covered crucial topics such as food hazards, spoilage, contamination, borne illnesses, and personal hygiene.
Additionally, it emphasised the importance of safe food handling practices, including the Five Keys to Food Safety.
This initiative is part of a broader capacity-building strategy under the Education Livelihood Enhancement and Human Resource Development subproject implemented by the Basic Needs Trust Fund Guyana.
It aligns with the government’s dedication to enhancing the vocational skills and economic opportunities for women in the region.
In April, a similar training initiative targeted an additional 31 women in the area, focusing on Tourism for Indigenous Communities and Delivering Quality Service. Participants were engaged on various aspects of the tourism industry, including tour operations, reasons for travel, types of tourism, and community-led and owned tourism initiatives.
The training also delved into understanding global and Caribbean tourism performance and the essential qualities and attributes of customer service providers in the tourism sector.
These educational endeavours are designed to enhance the professional capabilities of women in the region, fostering economic empowerment and community development.
The success of these programmes is expected to have a lasting impact, promoting sustainable business practices and enhancing the tourism and hospitality sectors in Guyana, the BNTF said.
