October 10, 2024 – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, officially commissioned the newly rehabilitated Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre on the West Coast of Demerara, yesterday.
The state-of-the-art facility, valued at USD $1.2 million, is set to benefit over 400 students, enhancing technical and vocational training in Region Three.
The project, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), covered infrastructure development, tools, ICT equipment, and furnishings.
The centre’s opening is a significant milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to equip students with practical skills aligned with modern workforce demands.
During the commissioning, Minister Manickchand emphasized the importance of the centre in advancing the government’s vision for education. “This facility is critical to providing educational opportunities that ensure every child has a bright future in the new Guyana we are building,” she said, urging students to take full advantage of the resources and training to thrive in an evolving job market.
The Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre is part of the larger Guyana Skills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), which is upgrading similar centres and departments across the country.
The facility will offer training in areas such as electrical work, woodworking, and food and nutrition, preparing students for Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification and future employment or further education.
Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical Education, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) nationwide, with continued partnerships with agencies like the CDB.
In support of the centre, the Office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer donated safety gear, including helmets, vests, gloves, and goggles, to ensure students are equipped for hands-on, practical training in a safe environment.
