…over 300 graduates have gained jobs since program began – Health Minister
Some 11 disabled students from the Open Doors Vocational Centre have recently graduated after completing a two-year training program at the school.
The Open Doors Centre is the national vocational training centre for persons with disabilities in Guyana, specifically catering to young adults aged 16–45.
It offers two-year vocational training programs in areas like carpentry, information technology, garment and craft, and beauty care.
The graduates alongside Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Ariane Mangar Director, Rehabilitation & Disability services Programme
The centre’s mission is to promote a more inclusive society and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to develop skills and achieve independence.
Speaking at the graduation event, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, revealed that the school has produced scores of graduates.
“Since the start of this program,” he said, “more than 300 persons have applied to the school. These 300 persons were able to get employed; many went on to further their education, and some even started their own businesses. And I think that is what is so important with programs like this — because if we didn’t have a school that responded to the needs of our society, many of these individuals would not have had this opportunity.”
Dr. Anthony also acknowledged the challenges that these students may face but emphasized that such struggles are often temporary and can be overcome.
“Sometimes they face a challenge, a little bit of a rough period. But once they are encouraged and given the opportunity, they are able to do positive things. We want to open doors for you. How are we going to do that? We do that by providing you with the skills to unlock your potential. And you are fairly young, so there are many more doors to walk through. Once you have the right skills, you’ll be ready to open many more,” he encouraged.
Also speaking at the event was Dr. Ariane Mangar, Director of Rehabilitation & Disability services Programme in the Health Ministry, who reminded the audience that this was more than just a ceremony.
“It is not just a graduation ceremony — it’s a declaration. A declaration that each of you has persevered, excelled, and triumphed. You cross this line not only with certificates in hand, but with stories of strength — as we just heard — and unbreakable spirits in your journey. You have overcome barriers that many cannot see, and you’ve done so with dignity, brilliance, and joy.”
“As you leave the Open Doors Centre and step into a world that is slowly — very slowly — becoming more aware, more accessible, and more just to persons with disabilities, I hope the Ministry can continue this momentum.”
Further celebrating the progress, she highlighted the opening of new disability centres — such as the recently opened Business Centre for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD).
First Lady Arya Ali, on Wednesday, commissioned the centre at Palmyra, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The $130 million state-of-the-art Business Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation, is housed in the Empower Guyana Building.
“These are more than buildings — they are a movement. They exist to give persons with disabilities the opportunity to empower themselves, so that they can strive to be as equal as their peers. That is what must be treasured. We need such spaces — well-resourced, well-led, and deeply rooted in our communities — so they can multiply and help our persons with disabilities to thrive.”
Thus, she urged the graduates to walk forward with courage, and added that they should “never let any room, classroom, or workplace make you feel like you do not belong.”
Mangar emphasized that while disability is a part of their story, it is not the whole of who they are.
Initially, the courses offered were one year long. However, it was realized that, due to the limited educational background of many trainees, there was a need for an additional year.
The Centre has faced its share of challenges over the years, but thanks to the involvement of Dr. Mangar and the Ministry, it continues to overcome them.
