–for kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls
THE Progressive Youth Organization (PYO), youth arm of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party, will be hosting a candlelight vigil tonight, from 16:00hrs to condemn the April 14 abduction of over 234 Nigerian school girls by Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group in northeastern Nigeria.The PYO has declared in a press statement that attacking and abducting young girls simply for going to school is despicable, and must never be tolerated.

It further made it clear that all children deserve the opportunity to obtain an education without fear, and that those responsible for the heinous crime of abducting the schoolgirls will be held accountable for their actions.

“When young girls and boys have equal access to educational resources, economies flourish, families are strengthened, and societies move forward”, the PYO declared.

The PYO release registered its horror at reports that the kidnapped girls are being sold into child marriage for the mere act of seeking an education. The release condemned this practice as most despicable, saying that it may rob the girls of their dignity, health, and freedom.

The release said that targeting civilians, including children, in havens such as schools is awful, repulsive, unacceptable, and callous; and that all must condemn Boko Haram in Nigeria in the most forceful of terms.

“The Progressive Youth Organization is therefore inviting the general public to gather at Sheriff Street and Rupert Craig Highway, where we will be holding a candlelight vigil to remember these young schoolgirls and their families, and their nation in a public way”, the release informed, adding that the public is invited to join in prayers for the safe return of the innocent, young, kidnapped girls.

Moreover, the PYO is inviting persons to check its website at http://pyguyana.org/ for updates and further details; or to make telephone inquiries at 592-600-4230.