Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) through the Caribbean School of Data (CSOD) in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) held a virtual graduation for its first cohort of 65 persons in the Digital Literacy and Data Skills Training programme on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. The 12-week programme ran by staff and former students of the UG’s Department of Computer Sciences sought to equip young Guyanese with skills in data management and digital efficiency so as to compete in the growing digital environment.
Dr. Maurice McNaughton, Director of the Centre for Excellence and Innovation at MSBM, expressed his satisfaction with the team in their execution of the programme. “We were constantly looking at the kinds of structured interventions and engagements that the team has been conducting with students to learn and borrow from some of what was done because the team has managed to maintain a very high level of engagement and variety in delivery such as gamification which is very impressive,” he noted. He added that this course should be seen as an essential process of development that is critical for digital proficiency in society and citizens should be competitive in this emerging global digital economy.
The University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin highlighted that this cohort has provided the team and its partners with valuable information on utilizing an online platform for the execution of the programme. “The question of mobility, adaptability, and innovation is on our minds and we are happy to see you graduate despite the odds,” she expressed.
In her video testimonial, Ms. Danielle Mittelholzer, the top graduating student stated “From learning about the Internet to acquiring new data skills, this programme has really changed me professionally. I really enjoyed our virtual meetings where we were engaged in exciting and fun games and activities along with informative discussions.” She gave recognition to the support of the facilitators and teammates and expressed the hope that all graduates take this accomplishment as an example of their ability to achieve anything when an effort is made.
Second place top graduate, Shane Sahadeo described his experience as enriching. “This programme came at a time when I really needed it because I deal with a large amount of student data…. What I have learnt has really boosted my efficiency and overall effectiveness. The facilitators were very eloquent and knowledgeable about the content and the CSOD team members were quick to respond and ready to help with anything.”
Another graduate, Shelon Benjamin highlighted that the programme has provided her with a wealth of knowledge. She noted “I am now able to use Google tools, not only on a personal level but also on a professional level. I am grateful for the time management and coordination skills I have gained.”
The top ten graduates were: Danielle Mittelholzer, Shane Sahadeo, Leon Ross, Reon Payne, Daniel Eastman, Curtisha Kellman, Shelon Benjamin, Safoora Khan, Naomi Singh and Shion Gullen. Bryn Bowen, a specialist in Information Management served as a speaker in one of the sessions and posed critical thinking questions to the students. A special award, The Bryn Bowen Award was presented to Naomi Singh from cohort 1, group 1 and Kensai Correia from cohort 1 group 2 for having stood out during the programme.
The CSOD is currently running active cohorts for the programme of approximately 800 students in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and will resume in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.