–Henry tells youth awardees

WITH considerations for the welfare and development of youth, government is planning to establish an institute of creative arts to build a stronger economy, making available a wide expanse of job opportunities for Guyana’s younger citizens.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry made the disclosure during remarks at the Ministry’s 2nd annual National Youth Awards Ceremony staged at the National Cultural Centre yesterday.
Thirty-six youths and organisations were awarded plaques and gifts at the ceremony, which was held “in recognition of outstanding individuals and organisations for their work in youth volunteerism.”
Minister Henry, in addressing the audience of awardees, students of various secondary schools, parents, and partners, said government was banking on a sustainable future for youths and was currently providing more funding for schools, providing easier access to more educational opportunities. The Government was already in the planning phase of designing the Institute of Creative Arts.
“The APNU+AFC government does not believe in prescribing for young people what they can do, but encourages them to follow their own initiatives by providing the tools they need to accomplish their own goals, and recognising their efforts,” the Minister said, adding:
“You are more than capable of forging your own path and making your own decisions and we respect that. So we’re partnering with you and providing the tools for you to make your own choices. We are not a government that pays lip service to the young people or seek superficial political foot-walks or to create the illusion of consultation through manufacturing contrived forums. We are a government that puts young Guyanese at the centre of what we do each and every day.”
The youths awarded were drawn from each of Guyana’s ten administrative regions, and were nominated for their contributions to community service by members of their respective communities, Regional Executive Officers, youth-led organisations, governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Awards of excellence were given to individuals, schools and organisations making a difference through voluntary service in areas of health, education, sport, advocacy and drama.
“No one knows the challenges that you face at your community level better than you and no one is in a better position to actively advocate for and address these challenges than you all. The projects you undertake, the experience and passions you bring would change the lives of many Guyanese,” the minister stated.
While it was highlighted that youths in Guyana experience significant challenges in pursuing educational advancement and employment, the minister assured the awardees that partnership efforts at the individual, governmental and non-governmental levels was vital for success.
Acting Director of Youth, Gillian Frank said the President Youth Award hosted by Ministry of Education – Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, honors young people who have excelled in various backgrounds and provides an avenue for the talented to be recognized for their contribution to national and regional development.
Over the years individuals and organisations have supported youth development through their participation in community services that are youth-focused and youth-led.
Frank stated that in Guyana the challenges experienced by youths in decision-making, education and employment are significant, but various individuals and organisations work tirelessly to address barriers to youth development “through their continuous creation of participation in voluntary initiatives and youth advocate” The focus of the program she said is “to foster a culture of nation building through youthful participation and creating a world that youths would like to see.”