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350 businesses established under HEYS programme
Government’s leading youth programme which targets capacity building, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) executed under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, has a resounding success story.
This flagship programme which was rolled out a year ago saw 1,872 young people from 112 indigenous villages across the ten administrative regions given the opportunity to discover how they can operate in any environment, while learning several skills.
The curriculum supported the intellectual growth of the nation’s indigenous youths while also offering them an opportunity for moral development through the Capacity Building score curriculum.
The programme ensured they channelled their energies toward improving their personal development. The participants were able to match and in most cases exceed the ambitious goals in identifying their strengths, interests, and challenges.
Team work and building trust were also a part of the training that was designed to allow them to become financially independent. It also prepared them for the world of work, while earning honestly.
The HEYS Department, in its review, reported that more than 350 businesses were established under the youth programme.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Alfred King said, “Programme Coordinator and team must be commended for that.”
Among the businesses established were several grocery shops, poultry production, pig and small ruminants production, boutiques, internet café, furniture manufacturing and eco-tourism destinations.
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who has direct responsibility for Youth Development, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, said, “I am very proud that the indigenous youth grasped the opportunity to actually establish businesses within their communities.
One of the business initiatives established under the HEYS programme
“This, of course, was due to the fact that the BYOB training was part of the programme; hence, they were able to identify business opportunities that can prove successful within their own villages. I have visited several villages and was amazed at the various businesses that were in operation.”
“I wish them well and encourage them to focus. Do not give up and do not be afraid to explore new business ideas, especially within the Tourism industry.”
A spinoff of the HEYS programme, the Sun Dried Tomato Project, a sustainable, green economic initiative undertaken in Paramakatoi, Region Eight, is currently creating employment for more than 50 farmers.
Minister Garrido-Lowe said, “Under the careful guidance of the Chief Cooperative Officer from the Ministry of Social Protection, a Farmers’ Cooperative has been formed. The first harvest will be in August.
“More than 30 persons have already been trained in food/ agro processing by the Board of Industrial Training and are now eagerly awaiting their stint in the Processing Facility”.
The Sun Dried Tomato Facility will be opened shortly.
Throughout the duration of the programme, youths from a number of villages spoke candidly about the rare opportunities this initiative has afforded them. It has already begun to change the trajectory of the lives along the path to the “Good Life” promised.
The second phase of the program will be rolled out shortly in 100 villages in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.
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