Georgetown, Guyana – (May 21, 2018) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger’s information communication technology (ICT) training programme was, today, launched in Region Ten, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Linden to provide Linden youths with the opportunity to access training in information technology as well as numeracy and literacy, sexual and reproductive health, communication skills, telephone ethics, microenterprise development and STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] and Robotics. This programme, which will run for the next six weeks at the Linden Business Centre, is being rolled out by the First Lady’s Office in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

The Linden Centre’s Managing Director, Mr. Deron Adams, who also played a vital role in the coordination of the workshop, conveyed his gratitude to the First Lady’s team for allowing Linden youths to experience an initiative which would keep them relevant in a society that is constantly advancing technologically. “We are facing a time of remarkable change, great challenges and exciting opportunities. Technology and communication are making the world smaller and more connected than ever. Guyana’s ICT sector is an exciting area in which to work, study and play and will continue to meet and bring inspired people together in forums like this to ensure our people continue to stay strong, relevant and connected, our young people in particular,” he opined.

At the end of the six weeks training, the participants will receive certificates which are accredited by the Board of Industrial Training. Speaking on behalf of the Board was its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Richard Maughn who expressed his organisation’s delight in being part of an initiative geared at developing Guyanese youths.

Mr. Maughn urged the participant to fully utilize the opportunity made available to them as it would contribute to their employability and provide guidance if they were considering self-employment. “Opportunities will be made available to you but it’s what you do with those opportunities that come your way will say whether you are truly empowered or that you embrace empowerment… You need to commit your time and make sure that you’re not just here to take up the space or the time but that you’re giving it your best shot so that at the end that you are better off than when you started… The fact that you have shown an interest in this workshop suggests to me that you are taking responsibility to renew your knowledge and skills so that you can contribute meaningfully to the development of Guyana,” he said.

Meanwhile, one participant, Ms. Nitiesha Ouseley, explained that her need to qualify herself to secure a job was the primary motivation to join the workshop. “I will strive to be the best graduating student in this programme,” she bravely noted. Many of the other participants expressed similar sentiments adding that they were excited to begin the training.

The launch today also saw a presentation being made to the local Linden group ‘I Stand with Education’. The group received a donation of three outdoor tables and chairs which they had requested from President David Granger during his visit to Linden last April. The items will aid in the group’s fundraising activities.

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