A total of 23 Community Service Officers from eight different regions on Tuesday completed training in Information and Communications Technology, enabling them to take these skills back to residents within their communities.
The three-week training programme was conducted with CSOs through Global Technology and is the second batch to be facilitated this year.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai with the ICT graduates
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai indicated that 96 persons have been trained in ICT throughout the year and lauded this initiative as an investment by Government into Guyanese youths.
“By the end of 2021, our target is achievable and that is, we will be training 200 students from the programme. We will also achieve 220 persons trained in the skill of installing solar panels and maintaining them; and other 220 as licensed drivers with skills to service light and heavy-duty machinery,” the Minister said at the graduation ceremony.
The trainees hailed from communities such as Akawini, Kabakaburi, Mainstay, Karawab, Mashabo, Bethany, Laluni, Siparuta, Kako, Tassarene, Princeville, Karaudarnau, Katoonarib, Awaruwaunau, Hururu, Malali, Maritaro, Rockstone and Great Falls. This, Sukhai said, reiterates Government’s agenda of offering opportunities for hinterland communities and people.
“This is an investment in our young people. Our Government has put out a number of initiatives that are making positive waves and impact on young people’s lives in our country…The PPP/C Government does not only support the training for coastal students but equally so, the hinterland students are all part and parcel of the agenda of our Government.”
Meanwhile, Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag said these initiatives were undertaken with the aim of fulfilling promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic during the campaign trail.
“Education has always been something that is important to this Government. There are several initiatives that have been rolled out for the development of not only individuals but the education system. In this particular instance, the training is geared towards you getting a skill set whereby you can give back to your community,” Parag told the graduates.
She reiterated that this year, over 6000 persons have benefitted from scholarships under the Guyana Academy of Online Learning (GOAL) programme.
