Another 2000 youths to benefit from second phase of HEYS programme

Jul 13, 2017 News

Another 2000 youths from 200 Hinterland villages will benefit from the implementation of the second phase of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. Phase Two of the programme was launched at the Sophia Exhibition Centre yesterday.
During his remarks, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reflected on the lessons learnt from the Phase One implementation of the programme. He said that while there were some challenges, the ministry is proud of the outcomes.
“We made some learning curve missteps… we clearly did not get it all right on the administrative and accounting side the first time, but this is something that we can now correct. However, on the programme side, which deals with outcomes, we were very effective and we can today celebrate, the fact that our Indigenous youths benefitted from this programme and they are, living testimonies of its positive outcome.”
The Minister lauded the programme as one of the “most encouraging investments” rolled out by the government in the Hinterland. “The country can now boast of having young, skilled and enlightened, entrepreneurs, in our Indigenous villages, something that we could not do two years ago,” he said
The HEYS programme was inspired by President David Granger’s vision for charting a course of sustainable livelihoods for Hinterland and Indigenous youths. He placed much emphasis on the HEYS in his 10-point plan for bringing development in the Hinterland on par with those occurring on the coastland.
Minister Allicock noted that in spite of the criticisms and setbacks, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs was able to deliver and bring life to that vision.
Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who has direct responsibility for HEYS, said that she is proud of the programme.
“Throughout the hinterland, we see the great outcome of the programme, young people now have their own fuel depots and catering services. They are farming, rearing chickens and much more,” she said.
She highlighted that the programme is on track with its intention of creating a core of youths who have the skills necessary to better manage their community resources.
Under the first phase of the implementation of HEYS, 2000 youths were trained. Eighty (80) percent of these youths now own their own businesses.

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