Residents of Victoria village to benefit from skills training, employment opportunities

In a continued effort to expand employment opportunities made available to Guyanese, residents of Victoria village on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will be undergoing training and upskilling through the Housing and Water Ministry’s Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP).
Executed by the Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the CESP allows villagers to produce and supply concrete blocks for contractors building homes through the national housing programme.
While engaging residents on the initiative on Monday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal emphasised that the Ministry is committed to offering support to the groups participating in the programme while noting the importance of adhering to stipulated timelines.
Block-making training, an important component of this project, will be carried out by the CH&PA’s Projects Department in September.
Start-up resources, such as tools, will be provided to these groups, who have already identified suitable lands for the project.
CH&PA Deputy Director of Community Development, Donell Bess-Bascom noted that the project goes beyond the technical skills required for block-making, and also covers concrete block production as well as a larger look at improving life skills, job readiness, and small business management training.
This comprehensive approach seeks to equip individuals not only with the requisite skills but also with the tools for personal and professional growth.
Established in 2021, the CESP was primarily created to enhance the lives of those within vulnerable communities and groups in Guyana by generating employment opportunities.
Operating within Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the CESP also involves organisations working with persons living with disabilities.
At this point, close to 10,000 blocks have been sold and over 60 persons have become employed as a result of the CESP from Mocha, Leopold Street and persons living with disabilities across Georgetown.
This project is expected to run until 2025.