By Tamara Tucker

IN April this year, 21-year-old Gabriella Chapman was crowned Miss Bartica Regatta 2017. The stunning beauty later represented Guyana at the 56th Jaycees International Queen Show. Now back home, Gabriella is on a mission to establish a Foundation as she seeks to inspire young girls to have self-confidence and enhance social behaviour, thereby allowing them to be positive role models for their fellow peers, relatives, schools and communities.

This young and aspiring future journalist who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications at the University of Guyana, said that the launch of her ‘Girl Build Girl’ Foundation will be held on December 21 at the National Cultural Centre.

She stated that the new Foundation aims not only to empower young girls from all aspects and backgrounds, but to create a bond with each other to work together in sisterhood and team spirit in overcoming insecurity, bullying, depression, suicidal trends, sexual abuse, violence and illiteracy.

Gabriella also described herself as being a role model where she can be able to motivate young girls to be who they want to be and help them with their goals and future desires, while making a positive change even if it’s in one girl’s life. ‘’Each one, reaches one and teaches one,” she said, adding that the Foundation will allow young girls to be guided in acknowledging the importance of their future, education and staying in school,and to let them see they have greater worth regardless of whatever challenges, backgrounds, or difficulties they may be facing.

She added that the ‘Girl Build Girl’ Foundation will not be just about meeting and interacting with these young girls, but also will have group activities and discussions and various volunteers and meeting with other persons who are experienced and qualified in various fields to educate the young girls more on every aspect of life.

Gabriella said that the need to establish the foundation came after she started a blog on Youtube and Instagram, where she posted videos as a platform to express her views that she believes that somehow serve as guidance to young girls. But later, she realised that she could do more than just post videos to help make an impact in their lives.

The young woman is very passionate about her new venture and hopes that it will be a success.