The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the Caribbean Award Sub-regional Council (CASC) and the President’s Youth Award, Republic of Guyana (PYARG), will be hosting CASC 2010 activities, commencing July 30 and concluding August 15.
Local and foreign participants including those from Caribbean countries, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Canada, will have the opportunity to sample the land of un-spoilt beauty and visit many waterfalls, including Kaieteur.
The sixteen-day activity will be held under the theme “Experience the Nature Kingdom,” and aims to provide  challenging, life-changing and developmental experiences for participants. They will be exposed to certified lifeguards, swimming instructors, HIV/health peer education, a study of the expedition routes, the Award-in-action, a residential project, and qualifying expedition and cultural exchanges, according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The objectives are to promote a new spirit of discovery for participants, provide them with a real life experience and foster a greater awareness of the social issues that impact the lives of Caribbean youth. It will also encourage a positive behavioural change and provide entertainment and fun for youths in a safe environment.
The activities will also promote a platform for strengthening exchange among youths who have received awards, sharing experiences and best practices and expanding partnerships and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement and development.
The release stated that training programmes will be coordinated with a view to improving the knowledge-base, mental, physical and attitudinal readiness of expedition staff and participants prior to the commencement of the expedition. These include jungle orientation (to include wilderness first-aid, swimming instructor, basic survival techniques, obstacles, etc.); assessors training; map reading and navigation/ route planning; and social issues impacting the lives of youths.
In addition, the training programmes will be coordinated to meet international standards and participants who have successfully completed programmes will be awarded certificates.
Workshops will be held to facilitate learning naturally and easily through simulations, field trips and discussions.
Participants will also be given the opportunity to experience Guyanese culture and share theirs as well.
Funding and additional support will be provided by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and several members of the private sector.
Guyana hosted CASC in 1999, just one year after it gained independent operator status from the International Award Authority . (GINA)