Data operations student tops YEST Programme in Region 6

Fifty-one students in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who have successfully completed the Youth Entrepreneurial Training Programme (YEST), were empowered to make a difference in their communities and to use their new skills as an avenue to achieve a productive life.
During the Vrymens Erven Training Centre’s (VETC) 15th graduation ceremony at the Guyana Teacher’s Union Hall in New Amsterdam, the graduates received certificates in data operations, general cosmetology, food preparation and home repairs.

Sponsored by the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, the YEST Programme provides technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills training to youths between the ages of 16-25, in a disciplined environment for personal and national development.
Youth Director Melissa Carmichael-Haynes told the graduates “…you have skills and ability that you can utilise to not only develop yourself but also develop your respective communities. You will be faced with many challenges and hurdles, but if you believe in yourself and have a purpose in your heart to achieve the goals that you have set for your life, then, those goals will be achieved.”
Carmichael-Haynes also encouraged them to work diligently to make a change in their country and endeavour to be the best in the business world.
Data Operations student, Shanera Rudder, who emerged as valedictorian, told her colleagues that as they celebrate “more than a decade of learning, we should feel proud that we did not give up. On this occasion, we are surrounded by all the persons who made it possible for us. These people played a major role in our lives and for that, we owe them our gratitude.”
Acting Administrator of the VETC, Cleveland Rose, highlighted that in the institution’s projections there will be further facilitation of the recruitment and training of 200 youths in all disciplines, with more staff training sessions being conducted. Additionally, there will be an expansion of the training facility to a standard conducive to learning.
To date, the Vrymens Erven Training Centre (VETC) has successfully qualified 467 youths across the Ancient County and will commence training for the 16th batch on January 7, 2019.