45 visually impaired persons get job preparation skills

– also receiving training for essential daily living

Some 45 visually impaired individuals will now receive key training and insights into the workforce, through the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in partnership with Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR) – an initiative funded by ExxonMobil Guyana.
This training program, which has been running for two years and has seen over 700 beneficiaries to date, will be held over two days.

Through this initiative, participants will also be trained in essential daily living skills, enabling them to navigate their surroundings, communicate effectively, and complete everyday tasks with greater ease.
Speaking during the launch of the two-day workshop, GCOPD Program Manager, Ganesh Singh, explained that this initiative will empower individuals with the skills to research jobs.
“This two-day training aims to empower youths with the skills to research jobs, develop your own curriculum vitae or resume, and formulate a cover letter, which needs to accompany that CV. You will also learn how to conduct yourself in an interview setting,” Singh said.
He also stressed the importance of the participants acquiring the skills that will be taught during the program.
“We’re not living in a bubble, and we’re not going to university or accessing some other academic institution just to have a piece of paper. We’re doing it for the purpose of accessing employment. That is why it’s important for you to have these skills,” Singh added.
He further emphasized that these opportunities are only effective if participants know how to conduct themselves appropriately in job settings.
“For those of us with disabilities, these life skills are numerous. A blind person with a degree who doesn’t know how to use a cane or operate a computer makes that degree useless. Isn’t that so? Yes because you can’t get employment, so it’s about being independent in all areas and being able to manage within the world of work. But it all starts with being able to manage yourself in an interview setting and access the job opportunities that might exist.”
On that note, Singh revealed that computers will be provided to allow participants to create CVs.
“Tomorrow – and I’ll speak to the facilitator – we’ll try to get some laptops here so that you can create your own CV or modify it if you already have one, and also help draft your cover letter…Those of you who are not too efficient with a computer will get support from GCOPD personnel who will be here, We want tangible deliverables at the end,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, SSYDR Training Manager, Soren Griffith, stated that this initiative will strengthen the workforce and promote greater inclusivity.
“We are fostering pathways to meaningful employment, enhancing skills, and promoting greater self-reliance for youths with disabilities. These partnerships will strengthen the framework for inclusivity in Guyana, not only preparing you for work but also transforming sections of your potential,” Griffith shared.
He further added, “This marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to creating better opportunities for Guyanese youth, particularly for this special group of determined, talented, and inspiring individuals, as they prepare for the world of work.”
Delivering the feature address was ExxonMobil’s Lasawhna Prescott, who emphasized the importance of supporting persons with disabilities.
“It’s easy for us to take for granted the freedom we have to work independently. We recognize that persons with disabilities face challenges regarding resources and support, and so we are deliberate in helping build their self-esteem, their families, and their communities,” Prescott said.
ExxonMobil’s partnership with GCOPD began in 2019, when the company supported the STEM Club program for children with disabilities.