By Vishani Ragobeer

GUYANA joined with the rest of the world on Friday to celebrate International Youth Day under the theme: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” The Ministry of Education- Department of Culture, Youth and Sport held a day-long programme in observance of this day, including a Youth Rally, a Youth Village and a Youth Concert.
The Youth Rally began from the Ministry of Education,Brickdam and featured personnel from the Ministry of Education and various youth organisations that fall under the ministry. Other participants included those who were a part in the Youth Village Exhibition and Youth Concert. The participants marched to the National Cultural Centre where there was a brief opening ceremony followed by the Youth Village and Youth Concert.
At the opening ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, noted that the day focuses on the rights of young people to have full access to education, adequate health care, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life.
She said that the Government of Guyana has established partnerships with several stakeholders to address issues affecting youth. The minister also attested that many youths live in “abject poverty and cannot afford the basic necessities of life,”noting that “The youth of today face more serious problems than previous generations.”
As such, she said it is important that all stakeholders have youth “integrally involved in decisions” that would affect their future and their country.
According to Minister Henry, her ministry recognises the importance of placing much effort in developing more strategies targeting youth development and realising their “hidden potential.” As a result, she said that her ministry, in partnership with numerous stakeholders, has planned activities to help the youth of Guyana realise this potential and contribute meaningfully to the Guyanese society. The Youth Village hosted yesterday is one such programme which showcased the interest of many organisations in youth and targeting employment especially.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony were Director of Youth,Ms Melissa Carmichael and UNICEF representative, Ms. Marianne Flach.