WHEN we see young people in advocacy, we must appreciate and give recognition to their efforts in making people’s lives better and making their country a better place to live.

The Betterment Brigade Foundation (BBF) is one with great vision. This foundation was established in May of 2018 by a 20-year old ambitious woman, Francine Wintz. This newspaper spoke with Francine about this new foundation and on what grounds it was established.
Francine shared that BBF is a non-profit organisation that maintains an interest to equip children with skills and knowledge, so they can reach their true potential and make childhood dreams come-to-life. Because she recognises the importance of having a quality education, she along with her volunteers in the group, will strive to provide the necessary resources and offer mentorship in the literacy and mathematics sectors.

She said that volunteerism is one of the best platforms for anyone seeking elevation in their personal or professional development. Being able to connect with like-minded people and building a network surrounded by so much positivity, is what allowed her to become part of an amazing community, bigger than herself.

“I always wanted to give back because I’m aware that a lot of children weren’t afforded the opportunities I had growing up; many of which I took for granted. But I never knew where to start, or what I should do. I was casually lying down in bed when I had the really wild idea of creating my own group. I was literally trying to talk myself out of it. But after approaching my mom, she encouraged me to give it a shot. Fast forward four months, I did, and I’m living without regrets,” Francine said.

Thus far, the foundation has a membership of 26 young people between the ages of 16-30, who all share the same interest in making a positive contribution in the lives of children in Guyana. On Saturday, July 28 they held their first workshop at the St. Ann’s Girls Orphanage and they have a host of other activities planned out to execute their aim. Their target for future interventions is mainly persons who need a listening ear or have had some unfortunate experiences, with specific focus on abused females and abandoned children.
“Starting August 2, we will be donating clothing to Hope Children’s Home and from August 4, we will be implementing our first Literacy & Mathematics Project for children eight years to 14 years, at Bless the Children Home in Industry ECD. Despite their ages, the reality is that they are much behind compared to where they should be at that life stage.

“The first academic issue we will begin to address next week is Phonics. While there, we will assess the needs that the children have and plan a teaching agenda based on their capabilities. Things we will cover during our time there are English, Math and Art,” the young woman shared.

To a lesser extent, BBF holds close to the heart lending a helping hand to the elderly and persons in need. Various activities including feed-on-wheels, donation of personal care items, home visits and so much more are organised by the group of young people, to target people in Guyana.

“Children are our best investment for they are the future. Every child deserves the right to live freely. Every child deserves to be loved. Every child deserves a brilliant beginning. Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive – regardless of their ethnicity, where they live, their circumstances, or their unique learning traits. Finding effective ways to facilitate long-term improvement in education and addressing social issues are among the most urgent matters globally,” said Francine Wintz.