A total of 780 individuals have signed up for the Care Economy Co-Invest Programme, an initiative designed by the government to expand access to childcare and elder care services while creating new entrepreneurial opportunities across Guyana.
Some 718 of the applications came from individuals, while the remaining submissions came from groups.
The programme forms part of the government’s National Care Economy Initiative and fulfils a manifesto commitment.
Speaking at the second National Early Childhood Development Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Wednesday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud urged more people to take advantage of the initiative.
“NGOs, faith-based organisations and persons who want to form a group in their community can also apply,” Dr Persaud said. “We are co-investing with you. If you have a space, we are going to help you to ensure that that space is safe, ready for children, child-friendly, and also an environment where they can learn, grow, and play, and where their parents can know without a doubt they are safe.”
The programme is expected to improve access to affordable care services, generate employment and strengthen economic opportunities, particularly for women.
Successful participants will receive co-investment financing, free training in childcare and elderly care, business mentorship, and technical assistance to establish and operate safe, sustainable care facilities.
Applications remain open and can be submitted by scanning the programme’s registration QR code or by emailing the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security at mohssscareeconomy@gmail.com.