Over the course of the next six weeks, approximately 30 youths of the Linden community will be trained and certified in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The training was made possible through the Linden Information Communication Technology Training programme, an initiative which was made possible by the Office of First Lady Sandra Granger as part of the First Lady’s Youth Development Initiative.
The training workshop, which is a collaborative effort with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), was launched during a ceremony at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) Resource Centre on Monday in the presence of participants and officials.
During the course of the programme, youths will receive training in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); robotics; soft skills
Some of the young people currently being trained in ICT
(communication skills, telephone ethics, etc); introduction to computers, mouse basics and keyboard references, micro enterprise, literacy and numeracy as well as sexual and reproductive health.
Trainer Fitzroy Younge emphasised that ICT was the new frontier of change and to this end, its immense potential was being overemphasised. “…the First Lady, through her initiative, has demonstrated that IT (Information Technology) would never be restrained from meeting areas such as Linden. The objective of the programme is to empower, not only young adults, but also the unskilled and vulnerable groups…in addition to enhancing the standard of living. The new IT skill will enable you, the participants, to perform effectively in various working sectors of Linden, while simultaneously improving your employability skills…,” he stated.
At the end of the programme, Younge said there would be trophies for the most improved student, valedictorian and second-best graduating student.
Upon completion of training, participants will be certified under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment.
BIT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn shared with participants seven habits of successful teens as a means of encouraging youths to focus during the workshop.
“Opportunities can be given to you, but it’s what you do with those opportunities that come your way will say whether or not you are truly empowered or embrace empowerment,” Maughn related.
He further encouraged them to be committed and take responsibility for their own learning.
In his remarks, Director of the Resource Centre, Deron Adams urged participants to stay engaged and proactive throughout training.
He told the youths that Guyana’s ICT sector was presently at an exciting place marked by remarkable change, great challenges, and exciting opportunities, where communication and technology were making the world more connected than ever before.
“We’ll continue to meet and bring inspired people together in forums like this to ensure that our people continue to stay strong, relevant and connected, particularly our young people. We stand at the leading edge of a time of amazing development under His Excellency, President David Granger, both within our communities and the country. It’s people who make a difference, just like all of you who took time out to be here. Together we’re working towards an exciting future..,” Adams said.
The training will be facilitated by nine facilitators and will conclude on June 27.
