“You are the change for your community” – Region 2 chair to ICT graduates

Thirty-two participants from across the country graduated from a two-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Training programme on Friday in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The training, implemented under the ICT Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities Project, is an initiative of the Office of the Prime Minister aimed at empowering remote communities with essential ICT skills.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Anna Regina Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Boardroom, Anna Regina, Region Two.
During the ceremony, graduands engaged in practical demonstration where the they showcased their newly acquired skills, such as crimping wires for cable installations and disassembling and reassembling computers.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, who addressed the graduates, emphasised the importance of the training for the sustainable development of hinterland communities. She noted that the programme is vital for human resource development, which is foundational to the nation’s progress.

“Our country is on the move, and seeing so many young people equipped with the skills to serve their villages makes me proud. This is about lifting the hinterland out of poverty, and we must thank our dynamic president for pushing the development of these communities. Access to internet service is a life-changing move,” De Silva stated.
She encouraged the graduates to utilise their skills meaningfully, urging them to seize opportunities for personal and communal growth. “You are the change for your community. Encourage others to stay in school and acquire skills because Guyana is developing rapidly, and we need people with these abilities,” she added.
Director of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), Professor Jacob Opadeyi, also engaged with the trainees, discussing the motivations behind their participation in the programme. While some aimed to enhance their personal knowledge, others were driven by a desire to contribute to their communities. Professor Opadeyi highlighted the dual importance of the training, stating, “This training is for you and your community. If you can’t enhance your own knowledge, how will you help your community?”
He further encouraged the graduates to explore opportunities through the GOAL scholarship to continue advancing their knowledge and skills. “These opportunities will not only assist you in the future but also pave the way for you to open your own businesses and become your own boss,” he said.
Representing the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Eliza Bacome praised the initiative for its transformative impact on hinterland communities. Bacome stressed that the programme is more than just about learning to install hardware; it is about empowering youth with high-level ICT skills that will drive their communities forward.
“We are thrilled to see the government’s commitment to ICT access. This programme is not just about hardware installation; it’s about empowering our youth with high-level ICT skills that will propel their communities forward,” she remarked.
Drawing from her personal experience, Bacome shared her struggles with technology, recounting how she faced significant challenges when she first enrolled at the University of the Southern Caribbean a decade ago due to the lack of proper ICT courses. Despite these obstacles, she managed to complete her degree in six years, largely teaching herself ICT skills through available resources.
“When I first arrived in Georgetown, I didn’t know how to use a computer or navigate the various software programmes. Most of my courses were online, and I had to teach myself ICT skills through available resources. Despite these challenges, I was able to complete my degree in six years…Back in those days, technology was a barrier. Today, thanks to the government’s efforts, such struggles can be eliminated. I encourage the newly graduated trainees to share their knowledge and utilise online programmes to further their studies and improve their communities,” Bacome shared.
The graduates awarded certificates of completion and also provided with PC and network kits to help them apply their newfound skills in their respective villages. (G14)