Persons living with disabilities in Region Seven have been given the opportunity to build valuable income-generating skills through a hands-on training course in sustainable agriculture.
By the end of the training, which concludes tomorrow, the 22 participants will be equipped with knowledge in key areas, including Farming Business and Marketing, Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Vertical and Urban Gardening, Cultural Practices, Harvesting Techniques, and Crop Production – with a focus on sweet potatoes, kale, and leafy vegetables.
The programme is being executed through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Support Services for Persons with Disabilities Unit (SSPDU).
The Intermediate Sustainable Farming course began on Monday at the Bartica Town Council’s Boardroom.
Speaking on the benefits of the programme, amputee Ann Creighton shared some of the valuable knowledge she has gained so far.
“I’m glad for this programme we’re doing whereby I could have learned a lot of things, whereby to control pests, how to treat them, how to plant, and many other things. I’m glad for this programme. I enjoyed it,” she noted.
The participants are expected to conduct a field visit and practical session to conclude the training and bring their learning to life.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry noted that the initiative is more than just a training programme; it is a path to independence, aimed at equipping participants with the tools to generate their own income, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Most importantly, the participants are now part of a broader national initiative to help Guyana achieve its goal of producing 25 per cent of its own food by the end of 2025.
The ministry noted that they are not only growing crops, but also hope, resilience, and a more inclusive future.
