August 7, 2024, marked a significant milestone for the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) as it proudly held the Juvenile and Community Skills Training Programme Graduation Ceremony 2024. The ceremony was held at the NOC Recreational Centre, Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast. This event celebrated the achievements of thirty-seven students who successfully completed an intensive four-week training programme that commenced on July 8, 2024. The programme, designed to run from Monday to Thursday each week, aimed to equip young individuals with practical skills and foster a sense of purpose and potential.
Throughout the four-week duration, participants were exposed to a variety of training disciplines under the guidance of expert instructors. The training included catering, with eleven students under the instruction of Ms. Cort, and sewing, led by Ms. Gilgious. Four students received joinery training from Mr. Joseph, while seven students each were trained in motor mechanics and electrical installation by Mr. Prashad. Additionally, all participants underwent training in information technology and remedial math taught by Ms. Boyce and Mr. Butters respectively, ensuring they acquired a comprehensive skill set.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the Director of the Juvenile Justice Department, Ms. Joanann Edghill-Stuart, Senior Training Officer Mr. Joseph Isaacs, Principal Personnel Officer Mrs. Eureka Duncan, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee Ms. Riza Khan, Deputy Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ms. Nafeeza Rodrigues, Member of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ms. Shellon Boyce, Special invitees and Staff members of the New Opportunity Corps also attended, underscoring the community’s support for the programme and its graduates.
In her address to the graduates, Ms. Edghill- Stuart emphasized the programme’s broader impact beyond mere skills acquisition. She highlighted its role in fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and potential among the participants. Ms. Edghill-Stuart expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained, along with the relationships formed and the fun and challenging experiences faced, would remain engraved in the graduates’ memories for a long time. She reminded them that the programme had created a platform for them to discover new strengths, explore new interests, and, most importantly, believe in themselves. Acknowledging the challenges that may lie ahead, Ms. Edghill-Stuart encouraged the graduates to view every challenge as an opportunity to grow. She assured them of the community’s unwavering support, stating, “You have the power to shape your future, and we are here cheering you all the way.”
The ceremony was a testament to the New Opportunity Corps’ commitment to not only providing practical training but also fostering a sense of community and personal development. The graduates’ achievements underscored the programme’s success in equipping young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for their personal and professional growth. As they move forward, the experiences and lessons from the training programme will serve as a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
The Juvenile and Community Skills Training Programme Graduation Ceremony 2024 was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and community support. It highlighted the transformative power of education and training in shaping the lives of young individuals, providing them with the tools and confidence to navigate their future paths. The NOC, through this programme, has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the potential of the youth and contributing to the development of a skilled and empowered community.