50 graduate from skills training programmes at Essequibo Sunrise Centre

Fifty persons from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are now better equipped with much-needed skills and knowledge in the field of fabric decoration, catering and electrical installation following a six-month programme.

The training was an initiative of the Guyana Foundation Sunrise Centre at Zorg en Vlygt in Region Two. The Centre’s main focus is to develop the skill-set of persons living along the Coast and to enhance their access to economic opportunities.
Thus far, those seeking the service were trained in hairdressing, photography, Information Technology, floral/craft making and wedding planning, music, leather craft, massage, soap-making, catering, makeup artistry and other courses. Since the establishment of the Centre, it has also provided counselling sessions to persons and worked closely with hospitals, churches and various community groups, in an effort to assist depressed individuals contemplating suicide. The Centre currently has a trained psychologist, Haimraj Hamandeo, on hand to offer his expertise.
Speaking at a simple graduation ceremony for the newly skilled persons, Guyana Foundation founder Supriya Singh-Bodden said the Centre made available an opportunity for many to come and develop a skill free of cost.
She said once the graduates completed their courses, they were encouraged to venture into their own businesses.
Singh-Bodden said the Guyana Foundation recognised that social problems were a major concern in Region Two and as such, the Foundation has developed a holistic approach to address the issues which included depression and hopelessness, unemployment and the need for empowerment of women and young people. (Indrawattie Natram)