-Part of GOG/IDB partnership through CSSP programme

THE communities of Angoy’s Avenue, Kilcoy/Chesney and Bush Lot/Adventure, on Wednesday, received items that will see over 100 persons directly benefitting from programmes that target specific groups in the areas of job creation, recreation and education.Angoy’s Avenue Adolescents Youth Space members receive the equipment from Community Action Specialist Lauren Fraser (second from right).

Beneficiaries from the Kildonan Community Action Council Group with the donation of the kitchen appliances.

Community Action Officer Arjuna Veersammy of Kilcoy/Chesney receives the sports gear in the presence of youth beneficiaries.

This was made possible through a partnership between the International Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Security, under the Citizen Security Strengthening  Programme’s (CSSP’s) Rapid Impact Project.

The CSSP programme is a countrywide one that seeks to enhance each of the communities to make them safer with short-term and long-term solutions that seek, among other things, to reduce crime, by engaging at-risk population in meaningful activities, such as vocational training, recreation and education. In Berbice, 12 groups are benefitting – six in Region 5 and a similar number in Region 6.

The donations are aimed at making an immediate impact on the respective communities.
Angoy’s Avenue received stationery, sports gear and farming tools. These were donated to the Community Action Officer (CAO), Pinkey Author at the Angoy’s Avenue Adolescence Youth Space. The items will be used by young people who utilise the facility. The farming tools, she noted, will be used to establish a kitchen garden at the facility and will facilitate the teaching of farming techniques and, ultimately, generate funds that will be re-invested for the benefit of the youths.

Kilcoy/Chesney also received sports gear and a brush cutter. The CAO, Arjuna Veersammy, said the equipment will go a long way in getting the youths meaningfully occupied and help to harness their energies positively. In the long-term, the community will also benefit from a basketball court.

Meanwhile, at Kildonan Community Centre, several kitchen appliances and utensils were handed over to boost a catering class targetting young single mothers. The equipment will enhance programmes already ongoing that target residents between the villages of Bush Lot and Adventure on the Corentyne Coast. Before the presentation, the gathering saw the commencement of a baking and cake decoration class. It was highlighted that, with the donation, the communities are well on their way to move into the next phase of their catering classes.

The CAO for the community explained that, through a partnership with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the participants will receive recognised certification that will help make them more marketable, upon completion of the programme.

The community will also receive donations for the completion of a multi-purpose court that will further engage youths in other recreational activities.

According to the Community Action Specialist, Lauren Fraser, a needs assessment was conducted in each community which helped to identify the projects that best suit each area; this was followed by the submission of a proposal to the IDB. Upon approval, funding was released and the items needed were procured to see the successful implementation of the initiatives.