Georgetown, Guyana (October 27, 2017) Forty-seven women, this morning, were certified at the largest closing ceremony to date of First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger’s Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop. The ceremony held to mark the successful completion of the 22nd such workshop was held at the Kwakwani Empowerment Centre in Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten).

Having certified over 790 participants to date, Facilitator from Interweave Solutions (Guyana) Incorporated, Mr. Sanjay Pooran attributed the workshop’s success to the social impact it has on the lives of women. “[The programme] is not just about creating entrepreneurs… it is also [about] the social impact the programme is having on the lives of women in respective communities across the ten regions of this country. I can name woman after woman, who has come to Crystal [Baptiste, Assistant Facilitator from Interweave Solutions (Guyana) Incorporated] and myself, speaking about their particular challenge in their home, or the marriage, or their circumstance, and who, after this programme, have decided to step up step out and move forward leaving all the negativities behind. This programme is a phenomenal programme,” he said.

The First Lady explained the vision behind the week-long workshops to the graduates. “It is always a pleasure to see the closing of another workshop… We have gone to every region because we want all the women of this country to understand and use their powers [and] their innate gifts from the Creator and to add to those the skills, which you would have gathered today to be able to become recognised as business persons and to be successful, not only in your businesses, but in your complete lives,” she said.

Speaking to the practical advantages of obtaining the certificate, Mrs. Granger urged the graduates to use this opportunity to get ahead in life. “When you go with this certificate, you can go to any small business financing organisation and it is recognised that you have training in how to run a small business… So it’s not something for you to put on your wall or stick in a drawer. It’s something that may be of use to you. So please use it to help yourselves get forward,” she said.

Former Head Teacher of Hururu Academy, Ms. Annette Ross, in her feature address, praised the First Lady for her ability to recognise the strength of women. “I’m indeed impressed, Madame First Lady, by your intervention in this nation for… you understand the underlying role and effectiveness that women can be capable of… You obviously have the correct understanding that behind every successful society are women of substance. Behind every progressive society are women with initiative, with optimism and, [with] purposeful determination. You have obviously recognised that behind every established society and country are equipped skilled and empowered women,” she said.

Chairperson of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Ms. Merna Adrian, Regional Education Officer for Region Ten, Ms. Marcia Paddy-Andrews, and Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Leola Narine, attended the ceremony. The event featured dramatic and musical performances from the graduates as a depiction of what was learned throughout the course of the week.

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