3-day training for PWDs being hosted by Human Services Ministry

Human Services and Social Security Ministry is currently hosting a three-day training at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Carmichael Street, Georgetown, in an effort to provide Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) with the necessary tools to be independent.

It was disclosed that the training is provided by the Ministry and will see the 24 participants receiving accredited certificates in Social Media Marketing from Nations University. Head of the Difficult Circumstances Unit at the Ministry, Mahendra Budhram who is responsible for these trainings said; “The Ministry has been at the forefront of providing equal opportunity for Persons Living with Disabilities,” noting that the aim is to train approximately 650 PDWs with approximately 150 already trained in a plethora of courses”.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud visited the training on Wednesday and noted, “going into the class is truly a heartwarming experience.”

“This is an entire programme that caters for Persons Living with Disabilities which started last year and is continuing this year. What I like this year, is that more persons are accessing these classes and programmes. I’ve listened to the dreams and aspirations of persons in the class and they want to start their own businesses, some want to expand and they have excellent ideas. I think with this kind of mentorship and training that the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has been, is providing and will continue to provide, we will be able to efficiently and effectively serve those Persons Living with Disabilities with the full respect and understanding that they have visions, dreams and aspirations for themselves, their future and what they want to do to be empowered,” Dr. Persaud explained.

Odessa Blair, one of the participants said she is thankful for this training since she aspires to open an online business. Jamal Browne, another particippant disclosed that from this, he will now be equipped with the skills to market around the country to anyone. Browne stressed that the programme came at an integral time since it is challenging to find jobs and he will now be venturing into his own business.

Budhram declared that these training compliment a wholistic approach the Ministry is taking to empower PWDs with the provision of assistive aids a staple of its initiative. He added that another project complimenting this training is the provision of tablets to persons who completed ICT-based training.