Thanks to joined efforts between the Ministry of Labour, Board of Industrial Training and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. On Monday, January 10, 2022, another batch of seventy-five (75) Hinterland Community Service Officers, completed training in Tractor Driving and Maintenance.
The program lasted for four months at the Kuru Kuru Training Center with CSO’s from region 1,4,7,8 and 9. A small graduation ceremony was held for the graduates in one of the training facility conference halls. In attendance were Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ryan Toolsiram, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn, among other officials from the two ministries.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Toolsiram told the graduates that the efforts made by the sister’s ministries falls under the mandate to empower CSO’s from the hinterland regions with the requisite skills training in order for them to make positive contributions in their villages.
“You the CSO’s left your families, villages to improve your knowledge in Technical Vocational Education and thanks to the Ministry of Labour, Board of Industrial Training. Today, you are beneficiaries with the techniques needed to maneuver and maintain a tractor. In 2013, this programe was implemented by the People Progressive Party (PPP) with rising numbers of trainees in the following years. Sadly, it came to a halt in 2015. However, in 2020, we reimplemented this programme, with larger participants listed for 2022.” He stated.
The PS also mentioned that the Amerindian Affairs Ministry will seek other collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Human Service and Social Security to provide skills training within the sectors.
CEO, Mr. Maughn, in his charged to the graduates touched on some meaningful factors such as being committed to self- elevation, contribution to national development and their respective communities.
“Every one of you here today, must see yourselves as ambassadors for your region and serve the people in your communities, it should not just be about the money when using your skills but practice what you were taught to the best of your ability and be good example to the young ones,’ Mr. Maughn explained.
He added, in July, 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministers of Labour and Amerindian affairs as a game changer to improve the lives of persons, specifically CSO’s, from the Hinterland to train them in courses such as, Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, ICT, Tractor Driving and Maintenance, Small Engine Repairs and Solar Installation.
The signed MOU will see 440 CSO’s from hinterland communities receiving skills training. So far, 261 received their certificates after completing the program offered with 151 graduating in October, 63 in December, 2021 and 75 in January, 2022.
PC|BIT
(Public Relations Department, Board of Industrial Training).