THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), through the Young Influencers Programme, on Saturday, inducted its third batch of 28 young influencers from the different regions of Guyana and awarded its previous batch of young influencers with certificates to conclude the programme.
The programme provides youths an opportunity to express themselves through a platform which gives them a voice to create, implement and promote volunteer activities that are in line with the ministry’s initiatives giving them the opportunity to work with, and give back to, their communities.

The programme also provides opportunities to connect with a network of policy, decision-makers and peers.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, speaking at the induction ceremony held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), said that in conceptualising the programme, it was her aim to provide a platform where a space for voices, creativity, ideas, and innovation were all provided for.

“[The programme] gives them the opportunity to understand each other, respect each other and to learn about each other, not only about personalities, but what each other brought to the table — experience, expertise, values, principles, and culture from the various regions,” she noted.
Minister Persaud said that it gives them the opportunity to create a robust network as well.

Terrain Wright, member of the 2022 cohort of influencers and Jaguar Awardee, said that when she joined, she did not know exactly what she was getting into; however, her mind was set on being a voice for the voiceless and being able to volunteer and learn from the ministry.
“The programme would have been very impactful. I was able to learn a lot. I was able to learn from the MHSSS. We would have touched on a number of topics from trafficking in persons to leadership to domestic violence,” she said.

Wright added: “If the MHSSS needs me, I will always be there, once a young influencer, always a young influencer.”
Another 2022 influencer, Rishti Gopal, awarded the Most Creative award, said that she was ecstatic about concluding the programme and being given that award.
She said that she tried her best and did as much as she could to help out.

For the future cohorts, Gopal said: “Even though some things are going to seem scary and you are going to want to back down, you can always go for help. Just try your best and it is okay if you need help.”
All the way from Region Two (Pomeroon Supenaam), Tatiana Norton, won the Most Vocal award. Noting that travelling was a big challenge for her, she said that her passion helped her along the way.

Norton said that the experience was great as she got to interact with intelligent and creative young people, whom she really admires.
“It has been impactful, it has encouraged me to make my voice be heard. We had this event… the anti-bullying campaign, so that has given me the opportunity to bring awareness to people in schools. I was given the opportunity to go to schools and spread awareness about the antibullying campaign,” she explained.

For the upcoming influencers, she urged them to continue to work hard and to take part in activities that they are passionate about.
A newly inducted young influencer, Xaria Holder, a 17-year-old of Georgetown, said that as an aspiring child psychologist, she looks forward to interacting with and helping children from all across the country.

Daniel McAlmont of Kitty, Georgetown, said that seeing youths use the young influencers programme platform to bring awareness to social issues, encouraged him to join the programme.
“I would like to bring my analytical skills, my skills in leadership and I would like to bring awareness to certain issues such as financial literacy, encouraging and informing the youths of today, to make an impact for the future generations,” he noted.

18-year-old Younica, Sanchara, of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), also a newly inducted influencer, said that she has always had a passion for advocating for children’s rights and she takes any opportunity to make a difference and to speak her word.
“I am very happy and elated to have this opportunity to speak and impart knowledge and wisdom to others,” she said.
The previous batches of influencers were exposed to public-speaking training, and were educated about social and other issues plaguing the society, especially youths.