…striking a balance between education and sports
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, yesterday encouraged a gathering of youths at Eccles to aspire for community involvement and partnerships to aid in the promotion of their own development. His charge came as the youths converged on the Eccles community ground, for an all encompassing day of recreation and learning. The event was organized by stalwarts in the community who over the years have invested in meaningful youth involvement.
Among them is former Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Eccles Youth, Training and Information Technology Centre, which last year accommodated a five-month Government of Guyana/United Nations Development Programme-sponsored course in catering, that was administered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The group, which includes businessmen, civic minded residents and professionals who reside in Eccles, promotes activities that seek to improve the aesthetics and security of the Eccles neighbourhood.
The scope of initiatives include career guidance, IT training, resume writing, public health education, performing arts and cultural expression, socialisation skills and general deportment, driving instructions and a comprehensive sports programme.
Capacity building of young people outside of school and work is a pillar of the community initiative, with the ultimate goal of developing competencies for the ever-changing industrial and social world.
Minister Anthony spoke with high regard for the work of the community, especially when it comes to striking a balance between sports and education.
“Very often we have community facilities, but the community does not show any kind of interest in maintaining these facilities; and I’m very pleased that you have a strong committee for the operating and running of the centre, and that you have a very holistic programme in place for the young people of Eccles,” Minister Anthony said.
The youths and the committee were given the assurance that the government is willing to join hands in partnership, and suggested that the Eccles community consider setting up a unit of the successfully run President’s Youth Award; Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme.
Modelled after the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with services, expedition, skills and physical recreation being some of the key tenets, Minister Anthony hailed it as noble for the community and one in which his ministry is willing to facilitate training.
“With the kind of leadership that I have seen here, we will be able to have a very strong programme,” Minister Anthony assured.
Yesterday was earmarked as a day of fun and interaction, targeting youths 15 years and older who had the option of selecting from the range of activities to participate. The committee said the involvement of parents, the elderly and other leaders within the community will also be highly regarded. (GINA)