At a time when global youth unemployment continues to be rife, the USAID-funded Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) program in Guyana has supported the development of another 50 new small business owners. And, as a result, the Government of Guyana is set to sponsor 50 more entrepreneurs under the youth empowerment program.

On November 23, the Georgetown Pegasus Hotel had a celebratory atmosphere as the new business owners were recognized and provided the opportunity to display and sell some of their creations, products, and services.

In addressing the SKYE Grant Award Ceremony held to honor the successful ‘Be Your Own Boss’ (BYOB) graduates, Fiona Wills, SKYE’s Chief of Party, lauded the program which focusses heavily on coaching and mentorship. Ms. Wills told the audience that SKYE had provided job skills training to over 2,200 youth, with over 910 linked to employment, and 70 starting their own businesses.

275 youth in total opted to participate in intensive BYOB training, which gleaned 112 viable business plans. While USAID supported the initial 70 ventures, including 20 which got underway in August, Ms. Wills said that the Education Ministry was on board to fund the remaining 50, demonstrating the Government’s recognition of the importance of this program and enhancing its prospects for sustainability.

“We recognize that hard work and an enterprising spirit can often only mitigate difficult life circumstances and, therefore, opportunities have to be provided and systems put in place to provide assistance for those who are in greatest need. I am pleased that through the SKYE program’s ‘Be Your Own Boss’ youth entrepreneurship initiative, we were able to identify gaps and provide tangible assistance,” U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, told the audience. He also urged the young entrepreneurs to capitalize on future opportunities that might offer prospects for a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

While congratulating the young business persons for their accomplishment, President and Chief Executive Officer of Education Development Centre, David Offensend, said: “We know that without help, young people can go down the wrong path.” He noted that SKYE’s success hinged on each graduate becoming a “walking and talking” role model for their peers.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, pledged her Government’s commitment to future program funding, asserting that creating opportunities was critical to securing the future for young Guyanese. “Recognize the true value of knowledge. While it is good to possess it, it is better to invest it!”she advised them.

During the ceremony, 48 coach volunteers, including 27 successful SKYE graduates, were officially inducted into the program. Speaking on the topic “Coaching Youth for Success,” Coach and Trainer, Carl Brandon, said “we see coaching as a means of giving back to society. We see it as a form of excitement. We view the idea of working with the underprivileged as a blessing and see working with at-risk youth as a rewarding experience.”

The program participants also benefitted from mentoring from successful business owners who freely gave of their time to share their experience and knowledge with SKYE’s budding entrepreneurs. Business mentor and CEO of Ming’s Products & Services Ltd., Stanley Ming, underlined that investment in Guyanese youth necessitated a long-term commitment. “It is not about a one-time donation of money, it is a commitment for the long-haul. It is about follow-up. If Guyana is to develop, the first thing we must address is educating young people. Give them opportunities and work with them every step along the way,” he advised.

Following the ceremony, guests interacted with youth business owners and learned first-hand how their businesses were developed. Booths displayed businesses ranging from locally made snacks, cakes and pastries, floral arrangements, hairdressing, furniture welding, and beauty supplies.