A new initiative aimed at strengthening social services delivery in the hinterland regions has been launched. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) and the University of Guyana, has introduced the Certified Paraprofessional in Social Services (CPSS) programme. The launch was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The initiative is designed for participants from Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and ethical training needed to address pressing social challenges. Graduates will be able to support government agencies, function in roles similar to Social Services Officers, and access new employment opportunities.
Officials described the programme as a landmark step that will expand the social services workforce and ensure faster, more effective support for citizens. Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said the programme was developed in response to the scarcity of trained social workers in the hinterland.
“This programme will be done in partnership with the University of Guyana, funded by the Government of Guyana, and done through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN). We are hoping to have at least 150 Paraprofessionals trained in the area of social work. We will employ those persons and have on-the-job training. We will then be able to fully staff our facilities in the hinterlands and rural communities,” she said.
She continued: “With this programme, we are also giving a lot of young people opportunities because all we require is a few CSEC subjects. It’s opening the door to more and adding to our Government’s long list of free and building on what’s needed in communities.”
Debbie Hopkinson, GAPSW President and University of Guyana lecturer, said the initiative will help reduce delays in addressing cases in remote areas.
“This course is going to be offered for persons who reside in the far-flung communities so that whenever we have certain situations happening, we have persons who are accessible and reachable. So, matters will not necessarily have to come to Georgetown, but it can be dealt with, and then the necessary actions will be taken,” she explained.
Hopkinson noted that the certificate course, valued at three credits, will act as a foundation. Graduates will then be required to continue at the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, making them eligible for the Introduction to Social Work 1 and 2 programmes.
