464 benefit from youth development courses
By Achong Tanjong

The participants of a computer course held at the centre

A total of 464 people had participated in courses held at the Youth Development Centre of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for the period from 1996 to 2001. The statistics was reveal by the Assistant Head of Youth and Sports during a visit by BAKANITA to the centre recently.

The establishment of the centre aims to nurture the development of youth into responsible, disciplined, dynamic and independent adults, in addition to preparing them for employment and self-entrepreneurs. It also provides youth access to a network of best practice, resource and support to accelerate their chance for business success.

Awg Ismail said that since the centre was established a series of programmes and courses have been conducted aimed at providing direction and assistance to budding youth entrepreneurs in the country. He added that most of the participants who have undertaken courses at the centre are those from school dropout.

The centre, he said, also conducted skill training and provided self-development and mind-set development programme. The skill training programme includes computer and office management, cookery and catering, pastries and cake, grooming and hairstyling and basic sewing.

Under the self-development programme, it is hoped that participants will change their negative attitude and focus to positive ways. The centre's first intake was in 1996 with five types of courses being conducted, most of them based on the market demand of job opportunities.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin