THE Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is presently conducting a skills training programme for women in poverty-stricken communities in the ten administrative Regions.

According to Mr. Jeff Rambarran, BNTF Community Development Officer, the objective of the training programme is to equip poverty-stricken women with adequate skills to enable them to become gainfully employed.

The current programme is focusing on sewing and craft work, with about 250 women enlisted at training centres located at Yakusari, Mibicuri, Hampshire and Tain in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne); Bath/Woodley Park and Gordon Table, Mahaicony Creek in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice); Laluni in Region Four (Demerara /Mahaica); Ocean View, Uitvlugt in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands); Port Kaituma and Arakaka in Region One (Barima/Waini); Karasabai in Region Nine (UpperTakutu/Upper Essequibo) and Victory Valley in Region Ten (Upper Demerara Berbice).

The classes are conducted in three-month batches and are provided with sewing machines, cloth and other inputs and a paid trainer. The cost of equipment and training at each training centre is estimated at about US $5,000.

Mr. Rambarran told the Guyana Chronicle that the response in the various communities has been “very good” and many of the women who have already completed training have been able to obtain employment at garment factories.

In addition, BNTF will host a workshop next month when two members from each of the classes will receive training in management.

BNTF has also been actively involved in the execution of infrastructure projects. It has built or repaired 44 primary and nursery schools and completed 42 projects encompassing the construction of health centres in rural communities, water and sanitation projects.

Mr. Rambarran disclosed that a number of apprentices were given on-the-job training in carpentry and masonry skills during the execution of these projects. Each apprentice was given a weekly stipend of $1,800.

The BNTF projects are being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana. The CDB provides 80 per cent of the finance and the Government 20 per cent. The present programme received funding to the tune of US $5M.

BNTF began operating in 1997 and to date has completed 131 projects, which represent 98 per cent of its work programme.

A new programme is expected to begin some time next year.