AS A resident of the community of Albouystown/Charlestown, City councillor Malcolm Ferreira knows that the youths in this area need just a little support, so he has engaged them in a holiday camp to heighten their awareness in several areas, and to hone their craft skills.As elected councillor of Constituency # 10, Albouystown/Charlestown, Ferreira has said he feels the need to have youths do something meaningful during the August holidays, until school re-opens. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he would today embark on the Future Leaders’ Camp Part 2, at Carmel Secondary School at Sussex and Charles Streets, Charlestown.

Ferreira explained that 170 students graduated from Part 1 of the holiday camp, and the overwhelming turnout has motivated him to stage Part 2 of the camp, to accommodate those who did not get to participate in the first camp.

SPONSORSHIP
Explaining that between 150 and 200 youths would be enrolled in Part 2 of the two-week camping programme,

Ferreira said the programme is being made possible through kind sponsorship of several businesses and individuals who have donated items needed for the craft sessions, while others have provided snacks and beverages for the children.

He said this camp would include a series of awareness sessions to sensitise youths on discipline, poetry, drama, etc.

PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL

He told this newspaper that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has since pledged to support the camp, and the Solid Waste Management Department has signalled its intention to facilitate a session with the youths on proper waste disposal, among other things.

The M&CC Social Development Committee is expected to contribute to the camp; and local artistes, including Jumo Primo, have supported the camp by staging several performances for the children’s enjoyment.

The Ambitious Future Leaders’ Youth Group of Albouystown/Charlestown has 350 members; and under Ferreira’s guidance, they hold activities every term, especially on weekends.

He said, “I am from this part of town. I grew up there, and I know that a little support goes a long way for youths to make something of themselves. To top it off, I like to see the smiles of the children being engaged in meaningful activities, rather than idling around the neighbourhood.”