Georgetown, Guyana-(22 June 2018) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, attended the closing ceremony of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Training programme in Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten), which saw 37 youths receiving certificates accredited by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
In brief remarks, the First Lady said that the programme is aimed at providing young people with the skills necessary for the world of work. She also praised the participants for completing the five-week programme. “…This [workshop] prepares you for work in the modern world. ICT is driving development… You need to know that you are developing much needed skills, so this is where you start… The idea is that you can do anything once you set your mind to it. You might not get there immediately; there will always be obstacles along the way but do not let those obstacles limit you,” she said.
Mrs. Granger also took the opportunity to thank the Board of Industrial Training for their support to the programme and expressing its confidence in the Office of the First Lady. She noted that empowering young people makes her proud. “I am very proud to do it, I am very proud to see our young people step up and move forward because you can choose your own destiny especially in the world of ICT,” She said.
The programme, which is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady provides young adults with training in the areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurship, sexual reproductive health, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, micromanagement development and soft skills; including ethics and time management. Similar workshops are slated to be implemented throughout the country.
Director, Community Development and Social Management National Data Management Centre, Mr. Phillip Walcott, who delivered the featured address to the graduates, urged them to achieve all that they can as they progress and aspire to be innovative and motivated. “The people who will innovate are the people who are determined they will not be mediocre they will not just be part of the crowd, but they will stand out. Do not be content to run with someone else’s vision; stand out! You are at a great starting point,” he said noting that the programme is expected to be expanded.
Chief facilitator, Mr. Fitzroy Younge, who provided a brief overview of the programme, said that the programme was aimed at giving young adults the opportunity to access training in information communication technology in keeping with the vision of youth empowerment. It included areas such basic office skills, numeracy and literacy and training in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Ms. Shebekie Duggan was named the Most Improved Student; Ms. Johanna Alicock graduated as the Valedictorian and Ms. Unique Dey as Salutatorian of the ICT programme.
Meanwhile, one participant, Ms. Vernell Chester, said that she plans to use her newly acquired knowledge to encourage and motivate others “I have learnt a lot of things that were not clear to me during my schooling. I also learnt self-value and self-confidence as well as different computer skills and plan to take it back into my community,” she said.
Additionally, Ms. Selina Joseph said that the programme helped her to gain a better understanding of computers and exposed her to new social situations. “This experience has been a great one and I have made new acquaintances in the process. I plan to use my certificate to get a job and to help others that don’t know a lot about ICT as well,” she said.
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