Some 173 youths from across the country recently began a ten-month residential stint at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training programme.

According to a Government Information Agency press release the students, the eighth batch, will benefit from information technology training, which was added to the programme. This will be facilitated through the donation of a number of computers on Thursday, by the Hope for a Future group. Graham Clark, a representative of the UK based organization handed over the systems in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Director of Training in the ministry Franklyn Lynch, administrators and lecturers at the college. The group has been supporting local religious and educational institutions and organizations that address social care issues for several years.

Ninvalle said the programme will guarantee betterment for the students and their immediate families. He urged them to make use of the opportunities available to them since it will equip them with skills to meet the demands of today’s world which is competitive and demands more than secondary and tertiary qualifications. He also urged the students to finish the programme so that at the end the same number of students who entered will be graduating.

The courses offered include business, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing, welding and fabrication. At the end of their training, the students are expected to develop independence and entrepreneurial techniques. Their tenure also includes inter-dormitory competitions, educational tours, participation in Mashramani celebrations, the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana programme and independence activities. They will also be expected to participate in public and private sector work attachments. Success stories have been recorded by students who completed their programmes at the centre particularly those from the hinterland regions who have become pioneers in their communities, opening businesses and creating employment for others.

The session will be held at the centre on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.