Bina Hill Institute

The Bina Hill Institute, established in 2001, works with

several partners under the umbrella of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), including Pronatura and Iwokrama, to develop training, research and other resources in the North Rupununi.

For example, fisheries surveys for Arapaima and aquarium fish used the Institute as a base. The NRDDB and Iwokrama have also organized the training of apprentices in carpentry at the Institute. The Institute has also started a radio station (see Radio Paiwomak below).

The Focus of Training in the North Rupununi

Over the next five years, Bina Hill Institute will expand its training efforts significantly. The major areas identified by local people are in natural resource management, traditional knowledge systems, and building capacity for both occupational and economic development:

• Agricultural training including veterinary science, plan science, horticulture, and pest control

• Understanding laws and resource mapping for the development of sustainable businesses involving timber, tourism, medicinal plants, aquarium fish and honey

• Professional skills development such as in carpentry, masonry, boat and other vehicle operation and mechanics, cooking, sewing, microscopy and computer use, as well as training for guides, rangers, community environmental workers, teachers and nurses

• Organisational skills development such as household and village financial management, governance and leadership

The Bina Hill Institute will also support adult and distance education and literacy programmes. The NRDDB will ensure that training opportunities are shared among villages. Finally, the Bina Hill Institute will make arrangements for accreditation for training courses through national and international institutes.

Radio Paiwomak

The first hinterland community-managed radio station, Radio Paiwomak (FM 97.1) began broadcasting in 2000. The station is located within the Bina Hill Institute and operates under the umbrella of the NRDDB. The station affirms the culture and traditions of the Makushi. Radio Paiwomak serves 9 of the area communities.

Contact the Bina Hill Institute:

binahill@yahoo.co.uk