– Giving youths a second chance
IN AN ongoing effort to enhance the lives of young people in Guyana, the Citizen’s Security Programme (Ministry of Home Affairs) last Sunday launched the Angoy’s Avenue Youth Life Skills/Vocational Training Programme at the President’s Youth Choice Building, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam. According to Chairman of the Angoy’s Avenue Community Action Council, Mr. Joel Steele, the programme now facilitates a total of 38 students pursuing training and development in many areas of skill. Steele also stated that the numbers are increasing as a result of the ongoing sensitization and encouragement from youths who are already involved in the programme. Steele noted that since the programme started, he is witnessing changes in many of the participants and their environs.
These students will be graduating in July, completing the first phase of this exercise, which commenced on February 7 this year. The students are supervised by experienced and qualified facilitators at different localities. 
The areas of study include cosmetology, basic computer, sewing, welding fabrication, accounts and refrigeration mechanic. Along with these are the social programmes — Prevention of Child Abuse and the Sexual Health and Reproduction — which all students are required to attend, and are also opened to members of the public.
Project coordinator Mr. Khemraj Rai said, “…part of the initiative of this training programme is to keep youths away from the temptation of crime.” Rai also noted that the students are provided with a stipend of $10,000 per month and basic tools upon completing the training to assist in their future employment.
Region Six chairman, Mr. Zulficar Mustapha, embraced the government’s effort to provide the youths of Angoy’s Avenue with the basic skills needed to be gainfully employed. He stated that the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is giving youths a second chance to be someone of worth in society. Mustapha also urged the youths to grab this opportunity, and make the sacrifice towards individual improvement and progress.
In light of the public’s perception of Angoy’s Avenue being a tainted neighbourhood where crime dwells and mischief lurks, Mustapha appealed to the students for consistency and unity in an effort to change that image.
Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee applauded the work already done, and encouraged the youths to strive for success. He explained that this training programme is part and parcel of the Community Action Component of the Citizens Security Programme. Minister Rohee also stated that in order for the Community Action component to function efficiently, the residents of the Angoy’s Avenue community need to be supportive and actively involved; this will then enable the other components of the Citizens Security Programme to succeed.
The Citizens Security Programme (CSP), which was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2008, has embarked on this training programme in recognizance of those persons who may have dropped out of school, and those who unfortunately never had a chance at education, and therefore are not able to rise to their full potential.
The programme is designed to equip students with basic skills so they can earn a decent living.