THE recently launched ‘You and I Foundation’ intends to spread among all Georgetown schools –- from nursery to secondary — an awareness on a plethora of social issues surrounding Guyana and the world today, among which are mental health, suicide and bullying.

This new initiative, which has been approved by the Ministry of Education will become effective from December 5, and will continue every school term thereafter. The foundation is in full preparation mode to provide interactive sessions among the students in order to enhance awareness on the said issues.

Michelle Bristol, President of the ‘You and I Foundation’, has declared that once this project proves to be feasible, plans are in place to expand its reach into the remote areas of Guyana, as well as to make regular visits to the private schools in Georgetown.

She said no school in Guyana would be bypassed in relation to spreading awareness on social issues, thus she is looking forward for support from other non-profit organizations (NGOs).

The ‘You and I Foundation’ has over 575 volunteers in all regions of Guyana. This privately-funded non-governmental organization (NGO) was formed in 2007, but became active from 2010, and is mandated by the Laws of Guyana to assist mentally challenged children; children who are victims of domestic abuse, and the less fortunate, with advice and information on prevention of teenage pregnancy; prevention of suicide; and to reach out to children who are infected by HIV/AIDS, etc.

The foundation is affiliated with a Global Movement for Children, an organization whose members have dedicated themselves to improve the lives of children and, as such, raising awareness on other related social issues in Guyana via workshops and special events.
(Shivanie Sugrim)