Some 120 students of the New Opportunity Corps, at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, graduated after completing the second Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training course.The graduation ceremony, which attracted Assistant Youth Director, Mr. Devenand Ramdatt; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Of Youth Sports and Culture, Mr. Alfred King; Marianne Flach, representative of UNICEF, and members and volunteers of the New Opportunity Corps, took place in the institution’s Mess Hall.Some of the graduating students.The second phase of the Youth Entrepreneur Skills Training Programme ,which provides Youths with life, technical, vocational and Entrepreneurial Skills in a disciplined environment, commenced January 30, last.Delivering a message on behalf of Minister Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, Alfred King, explained that the Skills Training Programme imparted to students were delivered under two main areas— Youth Entrepreneurial skills Training Programme and Introductory to technical and vocational Education.Two new skills areas were introduced. They are Agricultural Science and Catering. Meanwhile, eight skill areas were offered this year compared to four last year.King explained that the re-integration programme offers support to discharge students in the form of job placement, continuing Education and Entrepreneurial activity.The institution in its mandate to continue the process of reform will continue to uphold stakeholders engagement for the improvement of the juvenile justice and the delivery of training programme and to also work towards CVQ recognition/accredition,King reiterated.UNICEF representative, Ms. Marianne Flach, reassured students that the aspect of the graduation is a reminder that they were given a second chance to succeed; it was another opportunity for graduates to succeed, while enhancing their own self development, she said.Saudia Moidin was named as the best graduating student. A former student of the Johanna Cecilia Secondary School, Moidin secured five passes at this year’s Caribbean Examination Council’s Exams.The graduates were exposed to skills training in Carpentry/Joinery, Catering, Garment Construction, Welding and Fabrication,Delano Hill Womens Jersey, Agricultural Science, Information Technology, Tailoring.(Yannason Duncan)
