Over 100 youth benefit from technology training

The Ministry collaborated with MIC-IT Short Courses Unit to deliver training in Web Design, Coding and Mobile Application Development to youths between the ages of 16 to 25 years from August to October 2021.

“Many of my fellow graduands and I plan to use what we have learnt in our own businesses, as freelancers or in our professional careers…”

The words of Faith Lewis, graduate of the “Skills for a Diversified and Technological Economy” training programme run by the Youth Affairs Division of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS), in collaboration with MIC-IT, at the recent Virtual Graduation Ceremony for the programme.

The Ministry collaborated with MIC-IT Short Courses Unit to deliver training in Web Design, Coding and Mobile Application Development to youths between the ages of 16 to 25 years from August to October 2021.

The Virtual Graduation Ceremony, held on Tuesday 1st February 2022, recognized the one hundred and twelve (112) successful participants of the Programme.

Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings MP, says the Ministry has been working with stakeholders to administer relevant, youth-centred and youth-friendly programmes that serve the current and emerging needs of the country’s youth.

“It has become imperative to equip people, particularly the youth, with the knowledge and skills-set to remain up-to-date with technological innovation and advancement, as our economy continues to evolve,” the Minister said in his Feature Address at the Virtual Graduation Ceremony.

Cherryl-Ann Solomon, Deputy Permanent Secretary, MYDNS chats with, (L-R) Professor Clément Imbert, Chairman, MIC-IT and Anil Ramnarine, Chief Executive Officer, MIC-IT at the Virtual Graduation Ceremony for “Skills for a Diversified and Technological Economy”. (Image courtesy Ministry of Youth Development and National Service)

“I am proud of you for taking a step further towards educating yourselves to advance your careers in the ICT field and changing your world,” Minister Cummings affirmed. “My Ministry is focused on ensuring that our 550,000 plus young people, have access to quality programmes and services that would develop and prepare them for the changing needs of our economy.”

Curriculum Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Peter Fraser, who brought remarks on behalf of the Education Minister, observed that digital transformation was critical to the sustainable development agenda.

“No conversation about sustainable development and the future of this planet can be had without mentioning the critical role of digital transformation and technical vocation skills, especially as we focus our sights on entrepreneurship and innovation,” he noted.

“I would like to commend the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and the MIC Institute of Technology for recognizing the importance of sustainable development and doing their part towards nurturing the leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

The Virtual Graduation Ceremony for the training progamme, “Skills for a Diversified and Technological Economy”, was chaired by Selina Charles, a graduate of the Coding cohort. Also speaking at the activity were Cheryl-Ann Solomon, Deputy Permanent Secretary, MYDNS; Sean Ramrattan, Director, Youth Affairs Division, MYDNS; and Professor Clément Imbert, Chairman, MICTT.