Indigenous youths empowered to contribute to development
From the inception the Government has been making investments into the lives of young Guyanese in an effort to make their lives better. One of the most significant investments is in the education sector through which youths’ academic foundation is built, and for those who are not academically inclined there are many opportunities through various agencies such as the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai encouraging the youths to do their best.
These efforts were taken a bit further with the launch of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneur programme. This programme was officially launched yesterday in Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.
The $200M programme targeted over 160 youths between the ages of 18-40 from the Mabaruma, Moruca and Mattakai Sub-Districts who will be engaged in training in a number of areas including governance, health, education, sports and culture and infrastructure. In the long-run the training is set to not only aid self-development but community and national development as well.
From the onset of her keynote address, Minister Sukhai highlighted that during the tenure of former President Bharat Jagdeo, he recognized the need for youths to participate in leadership, governance and full development of Guyana. Additionally, prior to the 2011 Elections current President, Donald Ramotar had also recognized the importance of human resource development. The Minister explained that similar commitments began two decades ago by the late President Cheddi Jagan.
Minister Sukhai explained that the Community Service Officers (CSO) will be attached to areas of interest and competency they wish to develop, and it is anticipated that at the end of the six-month attachment the participants would have enough skills to set up their own business, secure a job or even pursue higher education.
The students will be attached to health, education, sports/culture, governance and infrastructure agencies in their respective Regions. For Region One, health and education scored the highest statistics in terms of interest. They will also be receiving a $30,000 stipend – the same as a volunteer teacher.
Minister Sukhai said that it is hoped that a new culture of volunteerism, support and solidarity will emerge from this initiative. In this regard the participants were urged to learn their native language or another indigenous language.
Youths from the three sub-districts in Region One gathered at the Santa Rosa Secondary school for the launch of the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneur Programme.
This charge is in tandem with the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan which has a component zeroing in on language and culture. Additionally, several persons from each community will be charged with developing sports and culture.
Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall emphasized that the programme is a way of transformation, mainstreaming and integrating youths into the developmental process. This, the PS stated is an approach that best describes a democracy.
Dharamlall indicated that his Ministry believes that the strength of the villages lies in education; the need for which has been a resounding call in many communities. In this regard, it is anticipated that through the training the youths would go after further development of their respective villages.
While there would be challenges and criticisms, the PS urged the youths to be creative and to work hard.
Vice-Chairman, Paul Pierre in his presentation recognized that the programme is geared towards preparing the youths for leadership roles and it is a good opportunity and a worthwhile venture.
This is particularly true since the hinterland communities are developing and are facing challenges. In this case, the Regional Chairman posited that being versed in Information Communication Technology will be an asset.
“The fact that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has seen it fit to initiate this programme means that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has the interest of every single one of us at heart…the quality of leadership will definitely be improved,” he said.
This initiative is an indication of the focus the government has on continuing the development of Amerindians and their communities, he said.