By Jomo Paul
![L-R GGI Vice President Violet Smith, LTI Principal Dennis Jaikarran and Cuso Country Representative Tara Persaud. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_1655.jpg)
The collaborative effort dubbed ‘ReTOOL Guyana,’ was designed by Cuso International in response to an approach by LTI. The funding from Guyana Goldfield provides for the engagement of an industry professional train the tutors and students, in order for the institute to meet acceptable standards.
It was also noted that several consultations were held with the school’s administration and Guyana Goldfield’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department to arrive at collaborative initiatives that could result in the preparation of students for real world work challenges.
The company has committed over $8 million in initial funding for the programme, which will also see the accessing of the highest level of certification possible for the programme and the another $8M will be provided in two years, taking the total to $16M.
Guyana Gold Fields Country Manager Violet Smith noted that “the program will bring them (LTI) up to international standards and it signals the company’s commitment to developing young people and developing skills in Guyana.”
She said the project aims to motivate and provide students the opportunity to achieve real world skills that provide a competitive edge to their vocational qualifications in areas that are in great demand by almost all industries and companies.
Meanwhile, CUSO International Caribbean Representative, Tara Persaud noted that LTI will have “increased capacity to provide market based training to young women and men by providing training to the lecturers” who will in turn impart the knowledge on the students.
Great gesture foward thinking. Preparing them for tomorrow would feed them for life. Wish more businesses would do the same. This is the kind of planning the oil find will require.
What a shame. That money could have done something for the indigenous people.