Over 600 Graduates Celebrate Achievement at SCCP Ceremony
The Ministry of Education proudly marked a major milestone in technical and vocational education as over 600 students graduated from the Secondary Competency Certificate Program (SCCP) in a vibrant ceremony celebrating transformation and opportunity.
Held under the theme of resilience and growth, the event showcased the achievements of the 2022–2023 cohort, which demonstrated remarkable perseverance and excellence.
The SCCP has seen remarkable growth in the past year, with participating schools increasing from seven in 2022 to fourteen in 2023. As a result, the number of graduates soared from 206 last year to an impressive 611 students this year.
The schools producing graduates included St. Winefride’s Secondary, 8th of May Secondary, Johanna Cecilia Secondary, Parika Salem Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Plaisance Secondary, 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 provide Grade 9 and 10 students with a robust technical and vocational education that addresses dropout rates, improves attendance, and equips students with practical, industry-relevant skills. The program offers a mix of core subjects, including Mathematics, English, Science, and General Studies, alongside electives such as Catering, Furniture Making, Crop Production, and Garment Production.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, underscored the Ministry’s commitment to its Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and Vision 2030, which envisions every secondary school graduate earning dual certification: a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and a CSEC qualification. This initiative ensures that students are well-prepared to continue their education or join the workforce, contributing meaningfully to Guyana’s dynamic economy.
The ceremony highlighted the critical contributions of educators, verifiers, and the Ministry’s TVET Unit, whose dedication was pivotal in guiding students to success. Families were also celebrated for their unwavering support, which played a vital role in shaping the graduates’ achievements.
Graduates were encouraged to embrace the opportunities their SCCP certificates afford them. The program enables seamless progression to TVET institutions, where students can pursue CVQ Levels 1, 2, or 3, enhancing their career trajectories. Additionally, the SCCP fosters entrepreneurial potential, equipping graduates with the skills needed to establish businesses in sectors such as catering, garment production, and furniture making.
The SCCP’s success underscores its importance in preparing students for Guyana’s evolving industries and global competitiveness, driving both individual and national growth while fostering economic prosperity within communities.
