Skills and entrepreneurial training programme launched in Region 10

The Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on Sunday launched the Linden Entrepreneurial Network of Seventh-day Adventists (LENSA) training programme.

The Secretary of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, Pastor Jumoul Sancho, during the launch, said, “LENSA will be responsible for establishing a hands holding concept where we will have people of experience in the church and in the community working with these newer fights so that they can be properly oriented into small business management.”

He said persons who benefit from the programme will be properly trained by experienced persons, “so they can really ensure that these businesses are sustainable and they are viable.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton said his ministry supports the programme, which will ensure residents are trained to properly operate their business.

“I’ve been preaching about collaboration and cooperation- that is the only way we can do it. I believe the more people we train and make them productive citizens and make them employable the less people will want to jump in our house and rob us,” the Minister said, as he explained the importance of training citizens.

He said, “It impacts on our own security, your own safety in your community so what we are attempting here today, it cannot be understated…wherever you go, the Board of Industrial Training, Ministry of Labour will support you.”

The pilot programme will see residents of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) being trained in various fields, including oil and gas, computer repairs, general construction, garment making and food production among many others.

Training is offered from various partners, including the Small Business Bureau, University of Guyana, University of Southern Caribbean and the Linden Technical Institute.