Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Friday launched the Certificate in Paraprofessional Social Services (CPSS) programme in Mahdia, Region Eight, describing it as an initiative aimed at expanding social service capacity in Guyana’s hinterland while creating employment opportunities for residents.

The programme, launched at Mahdia Primary School, is being offered free of cost through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in partnership with the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) and is accredited by the University of Guyana.

Addressing the programme’s first cohort, Persaud said participants were pioneers of an initiative intended to help address the shortage of trained personnel supporting social services in hinterland communities.