Moulding creativity into craftsmanship at The Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Jewellery-Making Programme
GUYANA is home to many skilled cultural and creative artisans, many of whom are self-taught or have learned through family businesses. However, the Government of Guyana is working to educate and equip a new generation of jewellers. The Guyana Mining School and Training Centre, under the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and in collaboration with the Burrowes School of Art, has launched a little-known project offering one of Guyana’s few jewellery-making classes.
This initiative, among a few others, aims to nurture local talent and provide skills for self-employment. Since its inception a few years ago, it has grown significantly. Now, with more than 50 students enrolled in both introductory and intermediate classes, the programme is not only teaching a trade but also opening doors for people of all ages from across Guyana.
In a conversation with Pepperpot Magazine, Deborah Phillipe, the facilitator for the Introduction to Jewellery class, shared that now in its fourth year, the programme has seen increased student participation. It began with an ambitious class of 38 students, initially split between morning and afternoon sessions. However, demand quickly exceeded expectations. “We started off with a total of 38 students. And we have split them into the morning. It was supposed to be 20 in the morning, 20 in the afternoon. But we have like 40 in the afternoon and 19 in the morning,” she explained. This growth reflects a rising interest in a craft that blends artistry with practical skills.
The programme currently offers both introductory and intermediate classes. In the introduction class, students work with beads, wires, and semi-precious stones to create captivating pieces. Deborah’s students are currently engaged in hands-on projects, crafting items such as the popular square knot ring. “Right now, they’re making what we call a square knot ring. And they’ve done texturing. And then they’re going to go into doming,” she explained. As students progress in the introductory class, the curriculum becomes more advanced, culminating in the intricate art of setting stones, a skill they aim to master by the end of April. “They go right into setting stones by the end of April,” Deborah added.
The students come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own motivations to the class. “Only two people there had experience in jewellery – a little bit, like the beading and stuff. So everybody else is green. Everybody else is doing this for the first time,” Deborah noted. Some students pursue jewellery-making as a hobby, while others see it as a viable career. “You have people who are doing it as a hobby… when they retire, they have something to do. And then you have people who are doing it as a job,” she added.
Keishana Jones, a 29-year-old mother, joined the class for a mix of personal and financial reasons. “The reason for my joining is that I’m having kids and the jewellery-making, it’s expensive,” she explained. Determined to create affordable, high-quality pieces for her family, Keishana also hopes to develop and monetise her skills. “Some of the goldsmiths are using your products and mixing it and not giving it to the quality that you deserve,” she said. The class has not only given her something enjoyable to do but also a valuable skill she can use in the future.
Royston Peters, a 57-year-old participant, joined the programme to reconnect with his heritage. Recognising the deep connection between jewellery and mining in African villages, he wanted to better understand his roots. “My decision to join the class is interesting because I started off, really, recognising that jewellery and mining is something that traditionally started in African villages,” he shared. Royston hopes to share his newfound skills with his community, helping younger generations use craftsmanship as a means of earning a livelihood. “If we can maximise the use of those resources, then we can find ways by which our youngsters can seek to create avenues to earn for themselves a livelihood,” he explained.
The programme not only teaches practical skills but also fosters a sense of community. Deon Stanislaus, an assistant lecturer and former student from Monkey Mountain Village, has come a long way since leaving his home in the interior a few years ago. “I came from the interior; I am from Monkey Mountain Village, and I came here when I was 20 years old, just a few years ago,” he recounted. Having started by making jewellery from wood, he now creates gold and silver pieces. “It’s a nice training, and there are many things to learn,” he added. Deon hopes to open his own business in the future.
Although most of the class consists of newcomers, some skilled professionals also find the initiative valuable. Cassandra Chu, a graduate of the Burrowes School of Art, is currently in the intermediate class, perfecting her work with silver. Since joining the programme, she has gained confidence, combining the teachings of various instructors to refine her skills. “For me, I’ve definitely gotten a lot more confidence in the shop,” she shared, expressing her desire to not only create but also teach in the future. Cassandra is particularly drawn to contemporary jewellery design and aims to incorporate fashion elements into her creations. “I’m more looking into jewellery for fashion because my work is more contemporary,” she said.
As the classes progress, students are exposed to a combination of traditional techniques and modern design principles, fostering both technical expertise and creative freedom. With free materials provided and a commitment to maintaining equipment, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. “The materials are free. We just ask you to take care of all the equipment,” Deborah shared.
The Guyana Mining School and Training Centre’s jewellery programme is one of many impactful, people-centred initiatives happening across Guyana. As these aspiring artisans master the intricacies of jewellery-making, they are not just creating beautiful pieces; they are forging paths toward self-sufficiency and community empowerment, embodying the spirit of creativity that defines Guyana.
