USAID’s Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment (Y-RIE) Programme’s six-month pivotal Frontline Workers Training and Practicum culminated with the graduation of 83 social support officers, better prepared to work with youth.

At the graduation ceremony, United States Ambassador, Nicole Theriot, UK Deputy High Commissioner, Judy Omasan Kpogho, and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud joined programme graduates, officials from the Ministries of Education and Health, and guests from public and private sector entities.

In her remarks, U.S. Ambassador, Theriot emphasised, “The well-being and success of our young people is most important…Our goal is to influence the life trajectories of young people positively.”
She further highlighted Y-RIE’s plans to address broader needs, including youth’s other psychosocial needs, education completion, their involvement in the workforce, family life, and community dynamics.

Minister Persaud also addressed the importance of investment in youth and stated, “Building resilience among young people is not easy. Our collaboration with USAID is a testament to our commitment to our youth’s well-being. I applaud our social workers, who now carry the responsibility of these new skills, to continue to influence, inspire, and build resilience in future generations.”

Graduates from the Ministries of Human Services and Social Security and Education shared testimonials on the successful application of their newly acquired skills in working with youth and children impacted by trauma and the importance of breaking cycles of trauma.

From June to November, the USAID Y-RIE Frontline Workers Training and Practicum effectively improved the skills of government officers in the education and social sectors, to deliver trauma-informed care and use positive youth development approaches.

The course featured a unique curriculum addressing thirty related topics, including the public health approach to violence prevention, self-care to address vicarious trauma, meeting youth where they are, building trust, and maintaining transparency and confidentiality.

It integrated cross-cutting and foundational principles to support youth, allowing participants to model positive youth development and trauma-informed care in diverse scenarios.
Furthermore, the course included a three-month on-the-job practicum, reinforcing the transfer of acquired skills.

The USAID Y-RIE Programme remains committed to working with the Government of Guyana to foster resilience among youth by equipping and empowering social workers and youth-serving workers in various sectors with the skills needed for the effective engagement of youth.

USAID Y-RIE was formally launched in Guyana in May 2023. Y-RIE is working with government and non-government partners to strengthen social services that serve youth and their families, improve learning outcomes for youth, improve youth preparedness for the world-of-work, and strengthen the resilience of families and communities.