The Ministry of Education proudly celebrated the success of over 600 students who graduated from the Secondary Competency Certificate Program (SCCP) during a grand ceremony that marked a significant milestone for technical and vocational education in Guyana.
The ceremony, held under the theme of transformation and opportunity, highlighted the remarkable achievements of the 2022–2023 cohort, whose journey exemplifies resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
This year’s graduation marks a tremendous leap in the SCCP’s impact. Recovering from the challenges of the pandemic, the program expanded its reach, increasing the number of participating schools from seven in 2022 to fourteen in 2023. As a result, the number of graduates soared from 206 to an impressive 611 students.
The schools presenting graduates this year include St. Winefride’s Secondary, 8th of May Secondary, Johanna Cecilia Secondary, Parika Salem Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Plaisance Secondary School, Soesdyke Secondary, Buxton Practical Instruction Centre (PIC), Fort Wellington Secondary, Canje Secondary, Manchester Secondary, Skeldon High, Kingston Secondary, and Dora Secondary.
The SCCP aims to reduce dropout rates, improve student attendance, and enhance the relevance and quality of technical and vocational education (TVET) for Grades 9 and 10 students. The program, competency-based in nature, equips students with practical skills tailored to the needs of the industry at the entry level. Students pursue core subjects—Mathematics, English, Science, and General Studies—alongside electives such as Catering, Joinery, Crops and Soil Fabric Decoration, Commercial Food Preparation, Furniture Making, Crop Production, and Garment Production.
Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical Dr. Ritesh Tularam emphasized the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and Vision 2030, which aims for every child to graduate secondary school with dual certification- a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and a CSEC qualification. This dual certification prepares students for seamless transitions into further education or the workforce, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of Guyana’s evolving economy.
The event paid tribute to the unwavering dedication of educators, internal and external verifiers, and the Ministry’s TVET Unit for their tireless efforts in guiding students. Acknowledging the pivotal role of families, the ceremony celebrated the support systems that contributed to the graduates’ success.
Graduates were reminded of the numerous pathways available to them. With an SCCP certificate, students can seamlessly transition into TVET institutions to pursue CVQ Levels 1, 2, or 3, further enhancing their career prospects.
Additionally, the program opens doors to entrepreneurial ventures, equipping graduates with the skills and confidence needed to establish their own businesses in fields such as catering, garment production, and furniture making. These qualifications also position graduates to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s rapidly evolving industries, ensuring they remain competitive in the global marketplace while fostering economic growth within their communities (Ministry of Education press release)
