In a time of accelerating technological development, it is critical to provide our young people with the technical skills they need to succeed in the digital age.
A group of tech geniuses recently founded TechServe Inc. – a newly established non-profit organization with a focus on youth development through digital literacy. Its mission is to build the technical capacity of Guyanese through training and certifications in the IT sector.
TechServe Inc. will primarily be equipping marginalized and disadvantaged youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to play an active and productive role in the information economy.
The non-profit organization was launched on Saturday, June 17th at the Regional Democratic Council, Region 3 boardroom, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.
The first project done by TechServe is Youth Development through Education Technology, which is sponsored by the United States (US) Embassy.
The project will see 25 youths between the ages of 17 – 32 participating in a practical training program to learn the basics of Computer Repairs and Networking.
TechServe Inc. was established on March 30th, 2023, with Jaianan Hirai as the President, Indrawattie Hirai as Company Secretary and Tom Marentette, Davendra Naraine, Carl Handy and Balram Jagjewan serving as directors. The non-profit organization is located at 25 New Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).
At the launch of the event, 2018 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) fellow and President of TechServe, Jaianan Harai said the project started as an idea he had, with the support of great people by his side.
Jaianan Harai
2018 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative fellow and founder of Girls Plus Tech, Evie Gurcharran, highlighted that there aren’t enough skilled technical people in Guyana and offered support to the youths.
Chargé d’ Affaires, Ms. Adrienne Galanek, also shared brief remarks. There she mentioned that as a YLAI fellow, Jaianan received funding from the United States(US) Embassy. She also highlighted the importance of networking and encouraged the young people to network and pursue opportunities offered by the Embassy.
Chargé d’ Affaires at the US Embassy, Ms. Adrienne Galanek
Mr.Tom Marentette, a tutor at the University of Notre Dame and a director at TechServe, highlighted the importance of planting seeds, as he mentored Jainan Harai, when he visited the United States as a YLAI Fellow.
TechServe’s team is committed to teaching young people IT skills. This team will change the lives of countless young people by fusing knowledge, enthusiasm, and invention, preparing them for a future in which technology will play an ever-more-important role.
Team members at TechServe, will teach a curriculum that spans a wide range of IT disciplines, exposing students to many career options and assisting them in discovering their passions.
West Demerara Secondary Steel Orchestra
The first cohort of students will begin their training on Monday 19th June. Many of them are excited and this training will boost their knowledge and allow them to work in the IT fields and even become entrepreneurs.
Members of TechServe Inc, Chargé d’ Affaires at the US Embassy, Ms. Adrienne Galanek, YLAI Fellow Evie Gucharran, alongside the first cohort of students.
A group of students at the TechServe program