Pereira said that the learning centre, whose primary goal is to build the capacity of North Rupununi youths by developing their skills, offers programmes which “should be pursued non-equivocally”. The centre focuses on areas such as agriculture, forestry and natural resources management.

These subjects are supplemented by English Language, Mathematics and Arts and Craft. The Head Teacher however, pointed out that with the rapid development of the Rupununi, careful thought must be given to the introduction of culinary skills, auto mechanics, masonry, sewing, carpentry, computer repairs and the expansion of the agriculture programme for food security.

The school’s top official also stated that with adequate funding in tourism, forestry and the provision of a vehicle to do comprehensive practicals, the youth learning centre will be able to advance to the stage where it needs to be. Pereira also emphasized that accreditation of the centre is of “paramount importance”, and must be sought from a recognised institution.

“The way forward is very clear and only dedication to the task, sufficient monetary and stakeholders support and student application will see this great idea through,” he said.

In the face of it all, the youth learning centre is negatively affected from a high dropout, as reported by Pereira. It was disclosed that from an enrollment of 32 students in September 2013, the numbers have constant decreased each term. He said that the enrollment at September 2014 was 26, and that there were 13 dropouts since then.  To this end, he said that the 13 who were graduating, have shown strength and resilience to arrive at this juncture.

He also disclosed that the application period for entry into the next academic year is still open. The centre is looking for an intake of 25 students for the new academic year but has only received 8 applications so far. Other challenges to the learning centre stem from the fact that it’s goal to offer an Information Technology programme has not gotten off the ground.  The Principal said this could be attributed to absence of the required laptop computers and a skilled Information Technology (IT) tutor. Attempts to have business studies also had to be put on the backburner because of the absence of resource personnel.

Through the school’s agricultural programme, student planted ¾ of an acre in peanuts then harvested and sold 770lbs. Chickens were also reared for sale and for students’ consumption. Pereira named Surama, Oasis and Sante Fe as the learning centre’s main markets for chicken. He revealed that overtime, demand for this commodity dwindled as the centre’ supporters found it more feasible to purchase chickens brought from neighbouring Brazil.

“The Brazilians supply coming at a cheaper rate suffocated our market, and we were forced out of business,” he said.  Heavy losses of the birds through transportation and other factors were also contributing factors that denied the institute a lucrative income. In spite of this, the students were able to save $500,000 at the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) in Lethem; $142,000 from the sales of peanuts and the rest from the sale of the chicken.

Cassava was also planted and the yield was good. Students learned to process Farine. Through this activity students were able to reduce the overall cost for their meals, the principal said.

 He also highlighted the need for infrastructure repairs to the lower roof over the auditorium, the bordering class and staff room. A call was also made for a building to do farine process. At present the students are utilising a nearby resident’s facility to do this.

On the positive sides and in area of Tourism, the principal explained that he was able to clinch a deal with Surama and Rewa EcoLodge to accommodate the students to do hospitality training. The centre also received steady donations from SantÉ Fe, Food for the Poor, GBTI, Ministry of Tourism, WWF and the Ministry of Indigenous People Affairs. Many books on tourism, forestry, environment management and marketing in tourism were received from the United States Embassy in Georgetown. Jamaica, provided sponsorship for a student and tutor to participate in a youth centre tour conference in Jamaica from 10-14 November 2014.

Minister Allicock, following the principal’s address, read a personal message from the Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, in which the Minister committed not only to working with the youth learning Centre but more importantly, working with them to ensure appropriate accreditation of the Centre. Minister Roopnaraine in his message said that the Ministry sees the Learning Centre as, “a model of practical skills, applied learning and preparation for the world of work in its environment and region.” “The curriculum is remarkable, with emphasis on sustainable development, governance through the school government system that builds leadership and pride in the wonderful indigenous culture.”

The teachers, students and those gathered also heard of the Education Minister plans to visit the Centre in September and to  provide  support in the best practical way.

The centre was also the recipient of support from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. “So many young people out there need to be properly trained. We are going to use funding streams that were being misused to thoroughly train young people…money will be redirected into areas where it is needed,” Minister Allicock assured. He also spoke of plans to establish technical institutes in the other three hinterland regions and to introduce an agricultural institute in Region Nine.

To the thirteen graduates, he said, “You are the metal of the future of this region of this country, you are poised for the new wave of development…we are with you.”

Of the thirteen students, 8 wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination (CSEC,) in May 2015; 3 students wrote Mathematics and English, 3  Mathematics alone, and two  English alone. At the institute internal final year’s examination, all students passed the subjects offered. Fiona Edwards was named the top student.