Scotiabank Partners with Habitat on capacity building for youths

Scotiabank has donated GY$3,875,000 towards a youth focused skills training programme facilitated by Habitat for Humanity for persons ages 16-30 years. Participants are  benefitting from Construction Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Training, which began on February 3, 2024. 

“We firmly believe that for real transformation to take place, focus must be on youth  development. Guyana has been experiencing a rapid rate of expansion of the construction  industry in recent years. This, paired with the need for the advancement in skills of those  who service this industry provided a great opportunity for empowering the youth to  contribute to this industry and national development. The youth and young adults with  minimum construction skills will be building their capacity through a very intensive  construction technology course, which also adds to community empowerment. We are  honoured to partner with Scotiabank to deliver this training programme to the youth of  Guyana” stated Jennifer Massiah, National Director Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and  Tobago. 

“Scotiabank believes in investing in the youth of Guyana. With this programme, there will  be an increased number of persons, in particular youth with the technical know-how to  engage in resilient construction practices, further supporting their employability and financial independence.” commented Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank  Guyana. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we are seeking to increase  the economic resilience of our country’s youth, so that they can get on, stay on or rise-up  the economic ladder to better futures” she concluded. 

The Construction Technology Training (CTT) course, offered free of charge to participants,  is structured to address the existing knowledge gap within the industry, in particular  regard to resilient building methodologies. The course will introduce participants to  important theoretical aspects of construction, covering aspects such as understanding  structural and architectural drawings, health and safety, concrete technology, foundations  and walls. The practical aspect of the course will aim to develop dexterity through on-site  sessions, where participants physically engage in core construction areas of building set  out, block laying, plastering and wooden roof construction, giving each participant an  immersive experience in the field of construction.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Training is aimed at increasing the knowledge and awareness  of disasters, the importance of preparedness and the role it plays in the preservation life  and property in the event of a disaster.