RECOGNISING the need for awareness on social issues nationwide, the recently launched ‘You and I Foundation’ has been facing limited human and financial resources in order to kick-start their first initiative of targeting social issues in schools.

The organisation was scheduled to carry out their project as of last month but due to limited human and financial resources, they may not be able to visit some of the schools targeted that is in need of urgent assistance due to zero financial resources and as such, they are active but at a snail’s pace.

The President of the foundation, Michele Bristol is soliciting assistance from private businesses in order to make this venture possible in eliminating such social issues in Guyana. She has thus far extended her gratitude towards those visionaries who made contribution in the printing of flyers, posters, brochures, banners, etc. – Parc Rayne (Rent-A-Tent), Tony’s Auto Sales, Giftland office max, and Jiwanram Printery Inc.

Additionally, she is urging other private businesses to help make a positive change in any way that they wish.
“Our Foundation has encountered hurdles in trying to make a positive change, but we the members of You and I Foundation are determined to make a change in the Nation Building and our motto is to encourage and empower humanity first. It is our intention to make this exercise a ‘national programme’ and with the support of our Government anything is possible since this is about Nation Building,” Bristol said.

According to Bristol, the foundation was launched in Guyana in October 2014 after three years of yeoman service combating teenage pregnancy and juvenile delinquency among other social issues.
Their first initiative was granted approval by the Ministry of Education in order to visit the schools in Georgetown to highlight the causes and consequences of a plethora of social issues that Guyana is plagued with.
The ‘You and I Foundation’ has over 575 volunteers in all regions of Guyana. This privately-funded non-governmental organisation (NGO) was formed in 2007, but became active from 2010, and is mandated by the Laws of Guyana to assist mentally challenged children; children who are victims of domestic abuse, and the less fortunate, with advice and information on prevention of teenage pregnancy; prevention of suicide; and to reach out to children who are infected by HIV/AIDS, etc.
The foundation is affiliated with a Global Movement for Children, an organisation whose members have dedicated themselves to improve the lives of children and, as such, raising awareness on other related social issues in Guyana via workshops and special events.

(Shivanie Sugrim)