PROJECT Ubuntu is a one-day session geared towards facilitating a much-needed dialogue around life-skills development and self-awareness among young people. Ubuntu is a Zulu word meaning “I am, because you are.” And the philosophy surrounding ubuntu is so profound, especially as we deal with adjusting to life during a global pandemic where physical interactions are limited. People need to feel connected to others and young people need the skills to interact with people and to deal with conflicts more responsibly. This five-step journey features sessions and activities around self and values, life skills, interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution and mental health.

“I decided to start this project one day while scrolling through my social media pages and all I saw were young people venting about their mental health issues. It was clear that adapting to life in a pandemic added more layers of stress and vulnerabilities to our already challenging lives,” said Dennis Glasgow, the project’s coordinator. “It was this along with the increase in crimes being committed by young people across Guyana. So, I wanted to pull something together that was fun and engaging; and one that gave young people valuable life skills such as decision-making and conflict resolution. The need is there to provide some guidance to our nation’s young people and life-skills development is an excellent opportunity to encourage internal growth.”

Dennis has been active in civil society leadership for over a decade. He has been a well-known youth development advocate in Guyana and this project is one of many on which he has worked. As such, with his many accolades and international exposures, he said that he wanted to let the young people of Guyana know “I hear you!” “I understand what you’re going through!” The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of many youngsters in our country. While this might come as a surprise to many, Glasgow himself also had his fair share of challenges. However, he noted that he was equipped with the right skills to work his way out of such a state. He also knew where to get professional support if the need ever arises. The same cannot be said for many young persons like himself. As such, the idea of this project was birthed. “It was really admirable to see such young people pull off something like this. It wasn’t a case whereby two facilitators just lectured or just read stuff to us. It was interactive, respectful jokes were made, there was a sense of trust and overall the atmosphere was just different,” one of the participants noted.

“Project Ubuntu” is a one-day retreat at The R’s Farm on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. It’s a practical outdoor session that facilitates conversations around five key areas. This peer-to-peer learning model will explore a host of topics and issues. This one-day retreat is geared at kickstarting an internal dialogue on growth and self-development among participants. It is by no means a “fix-all” but a practical conversation starter among other young people. When the Pepperpot Magazine asked Glasgow what the future holds for this project, he responded by saying: “I am hopeful that I can be able to replicate this project in different regions, while being aware of COVID-19 and adhering to prescribed precautions.” Young people between the ages of 15-25 can apply for the next two sessions on July 24th and August 21st, 2021. Dennis is urging young people from vulnerable groups to apply as this is open to everyone; whether they’re living with disabilities, living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses, a young indigenous youth, a young LGBT youth, teen parents—this is open to everyone.

Persons desirous of participating can contact Dennis Glasglow on his social media pages for more information.