The Climbers

By Indrawattie Natram

THERE IS a popular saying that youths have the power to change the world by what they do or say. Whether through social media, even hashtag activism or other means, they can be influential and they can bring about tremendous changes in the societies they reside.

‘The Climbers’ Humanitarian club which was recently formed in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been making marvelous strides through volunteerism work in this regard.
The 15-member youth group has to date given the true definition of volunteerism as they are actively involved in transforming and touching lives throughout Region Two. According to President of the Club, Devendra Persaud, the club’s main purpose is to promote service activities throughout its community while Creating Lasting Impressions, Meaningful Bonds and Encouraging a Responsible Society (CLIMBERS).

Persaud said with the motto of working in unity for the betterment of communities, the club focuses on six core areas: Health services, youth empowerment, vision, food security, environment and education. Its services, however, are not limited to these six areas, the president further explained, adding that once there is a need that exists the Climbers are happy to try to help.

ACCOMPLISHED PROJECTS
In just about seven months since its existence, the Climbers have provided exemplary services to the Essequibo community. Some of the projects completed to date include, participating in a candlelight vigil to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day, donation of food hampers to needy individuals and families along the Essequibo Coast, children’s

Christmas parties, adoption of the Paediatric Ward of the Suddie Public Hospital, honouring women on the Essequibo Coast with the Club’s Women of Distinction award, donations to 100 children for the Easter season, as well as, making a donation to the Kitty family in Georgetown who lost everything to fire.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Some of the club’s upcoming projects include blood drive, Inter-Primary & Secondary School Poster and Essay Competitions, tree planting, distribution of backpacks with stationery items, distribution of life jackets to residents in the Pomeroon, medical outreach, hosting a youth symposium, dental outreach and a children Christmas party in December.

According to Persaud, one of the club’s primary goal is to double its membership by the end of 2018 and as such he is calling on persons between the age of 18 years and who are of good repute to get registered as a member.

In an effort to expand the Club, members intend to form sub-clubs in various regions of Guyana offering its services hence getting more youths involve in volunteerism.
Funding for the club’s projects comes mainly from fundraising events and donations from service-minded citizens.

“Through our planned collaborations, we hope to create a network list where, if the Climbers are not in a position to offer immediate assistance, then there should be an organisation/entity on our list that we can refer them to for immediate assistance. Already we have the full support of the Regional Administration and we are indeed thankful to them for recognising our efforts as a youth group,” Persaud expressed.

The Climbers Humanitarian Youth Group is a Non-Profit Organisation registered under the Friendly Societies Act of Guyana. The club came into existence in September 2017 after it was recognised that not much is being done to promote youths and youth-related/humanitarian activities on the Essequibo Coast. To

date, the club has plans to collaborate with other NGOs, NPOs, public or private entities to conduct projects that are in keeping with the Climbers purpose.