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’s (PYARG’s) recent workshop facilitated 114 youths, including leaders, from several Caribbean countries, as well as the host country, in fun games and physical education sessions to ensure they were fit for the expeditions.
The workshop, at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), on the East Coast of Demerara, gave participants the opportunity to learn ball room and street dancing as well.
Preparatory sessions for the expeditions were held in the mornings These included map reading and camp crafts, which is the art of surviving the outdoor adventures. It includes erecting tents and lighting camp fires with old wood and other materials.

Participants and leaders were preparing for the expeditions, which commenceyesterday. They will have the chance to sample land of unspoilt beauty and visit many waterfalls, including Kaieteur, and Lake Mainstay, on the Essequibo River.
The activity, being held under the theme “Experience the Nature Kingdom,” aims at providing challenging, life-changing and developmental experiences for participants.
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 youths. It will also encourage a positive behavioural change and provide entertainment and fun for youths in a safe environment.
Participant from St. Lucia, Wendell Bertrande, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), stated that the activities are eventful and at the same time provide an opportunity to interact with persons from various countries.
He added that whatever he has learnt from the experience will be put into practice when he returns to his home country.
Local participant, Onika Stellingburg, stated that it is a great opportunity to meet persons from different countries with varying cultures and as the host country it is the duty of the local participants to put their best foot forward.
The activities showcased the country’s multicultural background, bio-diversity, and the expeditions will provide firsthand experiences.
Stellingburg noted that the experience will help her become stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. It will also build relationships among youths from various countries and also help to develop high morals and values.
CASC staffer Jason Curry stated that there is a cultural event in the list of planned activities for the youths this year.
“Always make it to the end, and you will always be successful in life,” he assures.
Curry added that Guyanese hospitality has been extraordinary.
Another CASC staffer, Tyson English, said that the participants, as well as the leaders, were exposed to skills training, community services and adventure/ expeditions.
Funding and additional support are 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 (IAA).