Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said government plans to boost the infrastructure of the Kuru Kuru Training Centre and to introduce more programmes in the coming year.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Anthony made this announcement at the centre’s annual luncheon.

A dorm decoration competition was held and the students had also upgraded several of the facilities prior to the luncheon. The minister said the institution stands to benefit from new vocational courses which will come on stream in 2010, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and other institutions. The ministry will continue to work with the education ministry to expand the centre’s syllabus. The library is also expected to be expanded in the coming year and a modern computer laboratory built.

The centre trains students from across the country and, according to Anthony, “it is a great place for social and multi-cultural interaction and unity.” He urged students to remain committed to the institution and the training it provides since it is a guaranteed career-oriented incentive. The training is viewed as a precursor for pursuing education at the diploma and higher levels at tertiary institutions. “We are working on accrediting our certificates that we are offering so that it can now become a stepping stone, so you can get exemption when you enter other institutions,” he said.

While government continues to invest huge sums to develop Amerindian communities by providing tractors, ATVs and boat engines for their development, these communities lack the capacity for skilled persons to maintain the equipment. The minister said this informed the decision to add courses to the curriculum to benefit hinterland students. “Government’s vision for the institution is to transform it into a premier institution in terms of technical education,” he said.

Meanwhile, Permanent Security at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Nigel Dharamlall said the ministry is proud to be part of the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme, and urged students to use the opportunity to learn and appreciate the diverse culture of their peers.