THE LIVES of youths of Albouystown/Charlestown (South Georgetown) have been enhanced

with several projects initiated by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira.

On Saturday at Carmel Secondary School the Police Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken accompanied by senior ranks were present for the launching of the Ambitious Future Leaders Youth Group in collaboration with the Impact Albouystown/Charlestown Project geared towards improving police/community relationships.

Ferreira of Constituency #10 told the Guyana Chronicle that the strategy in Albouystown was really challenging, having to deal with the many issues affecting the youths but the one that stands out more is ‘Division by Street.’

Ferreira explained that a mini ‘turf war’ between kids as young as seven years was still ongoing. He disclosed that many boys and girls from different streets in the community do not interact with each other unless it’s to fight or ‘cuss out.”

The Councillor stated that the funny part was that some even tell others that they are from the “ghetto side of Albouystown and you from the other side.”

Ferreira related that the Ambitious Future Leaders Club creates the environment where young “Hotskulls” and “Ms.Peppers” can meet and have normal conversations so when they see each other on each other’s ‘turf’, they are more likely to talk to each other rather than fight.

He said, “We bring them together, with proper supervision and structure, and explain to them that we are all in the struggle together so fighting each other will only destroy us more.”

On the same day, the O-Zone Foundation & US Embassy HAP Program Partnered with the Ambitious Future Leaders Club to distribute footwear to those present at their launching.

In addition, Bhena’s Footwear Store donated 77 pairs of female footwear and Shawn Holder donated school supplies on behalf of an overseas-based Guyanese for the children present.

Ferreira told this newspaper that they have youth club activity every Saturday from 10 am at Carmel Secondary School where they have a membership of more than 400 children drawn from the Albouystown/Charlestown area.

He pointed out that they engage the youths in life training skills, community cohesion, and motivational talks among other things.