THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Thursday evening launched its ‘Young Influencers’ programme at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) as part of its efforts to push the country’s youth to participate in voluntary work to better their communities.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud explained that the one-year programme will seek to empower youths, and encourage them to harness their abilities to make a meaningful impact on their respective communities.
Minister Persaud, in her opening remarks at the launching ceremony, said the idea of the forum is not only to empower youths, but to be able to influence others in a positive direction, and to create linkages with other youths across the country.

“Influence is not something that should be misused; it should not be seen as power. It should be seen as a tool, or an instrument or mechanism where you can guide people along a path that is beneficial to them, by being the best example, and not just saying you are the best example,” she was quoted as saying.
The programme will bring together 25 outstanding young people from across the country, who would be actively involved in community outreach and other developmental programmes.
The first batch of influencers will be exposed to public-speaking training, and would be educated about social and other issues plaguing the society, especially youths.
“A big part of what you will do is to reach out into communities and work with young people like yourself, who may not have had the opportunity to have mentors; who may not have the best of exposure, and who may have had difficult experiences, and those things would have allowed them to see themselves in a limited way,” Minister Persaud said.

She added that the aim is also to create an experience, through volunteerism, that will encourage the youths to move forward in a way that would also allow them to benefit. The youths would also have the opportunity to conceptualise a project that engages young people in a positive way. Once the project is viable, funding will be made available for its implementation.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner (Ag), Ray Davidson lauded the initiative, which he said provides a platform for young people to think outside the box, and make a difference in society.
“You, Guyana’s youth, can make a difference; whether it is changing peoples’ attitudes, suggesting and introducing reforms, becoming an entrepreneur, volunteering for projects within your communities, or just simply saying ‘no’ when you see injustice and discrimination. You might be young, but you can make a difference,” he said.

The High Commissioner stressed on the benefits of volunteerism, and how it can help to not only make a difference in the lives of others, but also help individuals cope with stress emotions, gain professional experience, and impact job and scholarship opportunities.
He referred **to the Chevening Scholarship Programme which offers a one-year Master’s Degree programme for Guyanese youths every year. “I am on the sift panel for applications. One of the first things I will look for is what volunteer experience does the applicant have. This will play a major part in deciding whether a scholarship is awarded,” he said.