Three hundred and seventy nine students, who have successfully completed training in a variety of disciplines, are now empowered to become entrepreneurs. The large batch graduated on Friday, at a ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.
Minister Nicolette Henry (second from left), Permanent Secretary Alfred King (left), and officials within the Education Ministry along with students who graduated from the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training programme
The batch completed training under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST), conducted at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre (KKTC), Soesdyke/Linden Highway, the Sophia Training Centre (STC) in Georgetown and the Vrymen’s Erven Training Centre in Berbice.
The programme, which was established under the previous Administration, is offered to youths between the ages of 16 and 25. Youths attending KKTC are trained for 10 months while those at the STC and Vrymen’s Erven Centre undergo six months of training.
Headed by the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, YEST continues to offer skills training and entrepreneurship, to enhance the employment potential of young people who have left the formal school system.
The students received training in the disciplines of cosmetology, information technology, masonry, carpentry, welding, and mechanics, among others at the various training centres.
Minister within the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry, delivered the charge to the students, noting that she is proud of the dedication and hard work which led to the success of the students.
The Minister told the graduates that they were exposed to skills training that now give them the opportunity to become well rounded individuals. “You are now in a position to play a meaningful role in the development of your different communities, and eventually that of our country”.
The graduates were urged by Minister Henry to use the skills they have acquired to equip themselves for the challenges they will face. “There will be challenges ahead of you and you will have to translate what you have learned during your training to deal with those challenges,” the Minister explained.
Minister Henry also encouraged the graduates to be responsible, positive, and passionate, and share their knowledge, to be a role model, and to give back to their communities.
