Digital Guyana Project teaching youths online work skills

The Department of Youth, in collaboration with the MasterClass Institute, has embarked on an initiative to enhance digital awareness and skills development of Guyanese youths through the Digital Guyana Project.

The training programme was designed with two primary objectives: to educate youths on local, regional and international opportunities for virtual employment and entrepreneurship, and to develop the relevant digital skills to effectively leverage those opportunities.
The training sessions were delivered by Dennon Lewis, General Manager of the MasterClass Institute, which is pushing to help transform Guyana’s economic landscape. Sessions were held in Linden on April 23 and 24 and in Berbice on April 26 and 27 for persons aged 17 to 27.
Some 50 students were given opportunities to gain first-hand experience on various software programmes and web platforms. They received training in the areas of graphic design, presentation creation, and online research among others. They were also exposed to the world of online employment through platforms such as Upwork – a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely.
The Director of the Department of Youth, Melissa Carmichael said, “The feedback received from this initiative is inspiring. Students are telling us that the programme was both engaging and informative. We encourage the students to ensure they practise the skills learned and to continue the conversation with their peers. The Digital Guyana Project aims to build a solid foundation for growing and developing a skilled workforce that can leverage local, regional, and global opportunities. These training sessions are merely the first step. The technology is here, and it is our aim to equip our youths with the necessary skills to apply that knowledge strategically.”
According to Lewis, who is the facilitator of the Project, “Digital skills are the currency of the digital economy and online freelancing is projected to add $2.7 trillion [US] to the global GDP. With 70 per cent of Guyana’s population under the age of 40, we expect more Guyanese youths to be a part of this digital movement. The leadership shown by the Director of Youth is a great indicator that more focus will be placed on equipping Guyanese youth – to not only be a part of the movement but to ultimately become pioneers in a digital world.”