Project Manager for life skills training programme at Guyana Society for the Blind, Mr. Ganesh Singh and Media Representative, Mr. Leroy Phillips are just some of the persons living with disabilities who successfully completed Vocational Education and Training, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
Fifty-five (55) persons on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, received their certificates at a small graduation ceremony held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.
Minister of Labour, Hon, Joseph Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn and Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ayana George- Mathieson attended the exercise, chaired by Mr. Ganesh Singh.
In his featured address, the minister told the gathering that 6.7 percent of the country’s population are persons living with disabilities and come 2022, the labour ministry will work to collaborate with other ministries and government agencies to equip people with disabilities to become economically viable, having access to opportunities like every other citizen.
“Each of you here today, can proceed on doing another course, after completing one. However, it must be noted that persons cannot do two courses at once. Do not take your certificates and call end the end, understand that the new economy is in new development and persons need must possess more than one skill to survive,” the minister said.
He further highlighted that BIT touched all regions throughout the year to deliver programs and so far, 3000 persons received training, with an expectation to target 5700 persons across Guyana in 2022.
CEO of BIT, Mr. Maughn in his speech mentioned that the role of the semi-autonomous agency is to be inclusive and focus on the investment of the country’s sons and daughters.
“The training offers a broader scope of employment as we at BIT and the Ministry seek to craft society to look at persons with medical conditions to get a chance at self-development. It is our intention to focus on developing people so that they can contribute to national development.” Mr. Maughn stated.
The graduates were trained and received their certificates in courses, such as, General Office Administration, Food Preparation, Disability Studies, Web Designing and Introduction to Spanish.
The Ministry of Labour, Board of Industrial Training sends congratulations to each participants, your strenght and commitment to completing BIT”s programme, speaks of the level anyone can go to improve their life.
PC| BIT
(Public Relations Department, Board of Industrial Training).