THE Community Action Component (CAC) of the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP) continues to present disadvantaged youths with a second chance at a bright future.
The most recent beneficiaries are youths from the Overwinning-Edinburgh area, who successfully completed a six-month training programme in skills such as cosmetology, garment construction, bakery, auto-body repairs, mechanics, catering, welding and fabrication and child care.
Delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony on Friday last, Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Clement Rohee lauded the trainers, all of whom are from within the communities, and from whose expertise the youths benefited.
He disclosed that a meeting is convened every month with the CSP programme implementation unit and various aspects of this comprehensive programme are discussed.
The CSP is an initiative by government in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with the underlying aim of enhancing the security sector so as to ensure safer communities. It includes modernisation of the Home Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the CAC, which seeks to build capacity among the youth population while at the same time forging greater community cohesion.
Rohee noted that government has a responsibility to ensure that every young individual, irrespective of their academic capacity, is provided with equal opportunities.
He pointed out that, over the years, there has been significant improvements in every sector particularly in the areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and transportation.
“Once people are prepared to work hard to earn a decent living, government will make the necessary opportunities available, and this is exactly what the CSP is all about. Most young people want a second chance in life and they must be given that chance,” the minister declared.
Regional Chairman, Region Six, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha congratulated the youths on persevering to achieve skills that are in demand and urged them to use their training to make positive and committed contributions aimed at further developing the region.
“This is a perfect example of government’s commitment to ensure that young people achieve their goals,” he said.
Speaking on the Police Force’s point of view, Divisional Commander Mr. Steve Merai said the implementation of this programme will go a far way in deterring youths from criminal activities by keeping them meaningfully engaged.
Community Action Specialist Ms. Roseanne Purnwasie, also called on the youths to use their newly acquired skills to positively enhance their lives.
Thus far, the CAC, which targets youths between the ages of 14-25  from areas such as Sophia, Annandale/Lusignan, Port Mourant, Rosehall, Kilcoy/Chesney/Fyrish, Overwinning/Edinburgh, Agricola/McDoom, Plaisance and Buxton/Friendship, has seen significant progress with approximately 350 persons meaningfully engaged in skills and vocational training programmes in various disciplines.
It is targeting 1400 youths before December this year.