By Fabiana McKlmon
Twenty-eight participants from the Santa Aratack Mission, Region Three, successfully completed the Bamboo and Rattan Products Development Training Programme.
The month-long training provided practical skills in weaving bamboo and rattan, empowering participants to create sustainable, eco-friendly products aimed at boosting self-sufficiency in their community.
The graduates were praised for their dedication throughout the training, with many acknowledging the challenges faced and the sense of accomplishment they felt upon completing their products.
Their efforts are seen as a significant step toward enhancing local craftsmanship.
The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, attended the graduation ceremony, where he emphasized the importance of advancing the skills gained during the programme.
He outlined plans to extend the training to a second phase, with the goal of providing the participants with opportunities to market their products beyond the local community.
Santa Aratack was chosen for this initiative due to its expertise in bamboo and rattan weaving, positioning it as a key player in preserving and promoting traditional craft techniques in Guyana.
The training programme was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, the GTA, and the International Center for Bamboo & Rattan, with support from the Chinese Embassy.
The programme marks a significant step in empowering rural communities through skill development, while also promoting eco-friendly practices and traditional crafts.