41 Lindeners graduate from First Lady’s ICT initiative

Forty-one youths from Linden on Friday graduated from the Information Communication Technology (ICT) training programme, facilitated by the Office of First Lady, Sandra Granger, in collaboration with the Social Protection Ministry and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

At the ceremony, which was hosted at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the graduates were awarded certificates of completion, while some were awarded trophies for their outstanding performances in various categories. Daicia Caesar was the Valedictorian, while Odeli Paul was the second Best Graduating Student and Edson Emanuel, Most Improved Student. In her remarks to the graduates, the First Lady pointed to the evolution of Information Technology (IT), noting that every day it is changing and developing.
She also spoke about the opportunities, through the job training, which are available in the area of Information Technology.
The First Lady also alluded to the importance of ‘Soft Skills’ training which the graduates were exposed to and how it can benefit them in the world of work and the development of their own lives. She also pointed out that many graduates of the programme, which is offered countrywide, went on to become employed at private enterprises as well as the National Data Management Authority. She noted too that some have gone as far as setting up their own businesses.
“Always open yourselves to learning. Always open yourselves to experiences…just think of the possibilities as you go through life…and don’t be afraid. Girls, don’t be confined by social perception that you mustn’t speak up when you have a question or you’re aware of something. You have to learn to promote yourselves in reality…”, she noted.
In his remarks and overview, Chief Facilitator of the programme Fitzroy Younge noted that the initiative, which ran for four weeks, was a success and saw maximum attendance.
Senior Administrator of the National Data Management Committee, Marlon Pearson, who was the guest speaker at the event noted that it was a joy witnessing such a pleasant evolution. He said the programme is geared to instil in participants, the ability to become independent thinkers, great listeners and to be able to develop problem-solving skills.