THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) made significant strides in empowering vulnerable citizens through various initiatives in 2023.

These initiatives created opportunities for independence, generated a means of earning an income and provided stability for those persons.

These groups include women and children, persons living with disabilities, and senior citizens. These initiatives and financial support was evidence of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing inequalities and promoting social inclusion.

Through the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, over 11,000 women have been empowered through the various skills-training and business opportunities it provides. Since its inception in 2021, WIIN has partnered with several educational institutions, offering more options to those using the platform.

Meanwhile, for persons living with disabilities, efforts to improve inclusivity and accessibility were prompted as the ministry introduced the ground-breaking Learning Lab in June 2023. The lab provides free access to training for persons living with disabilities.

Additionally, the facility moves such persons from financial dependency to financial independence, while also generating job creation through its training opportunities.

In June 2023, $100 million was budgeted for the rehabilitation of the Sophia Care Centre in order to provide additional support to parents and care for their children while they are at work.

In May 2023, subject minister Vindhya Persaud, in an effort to encourage involvement in the foster care system, urged persons to visit the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) if they were interested in being foster parents.
She remarked: “… Foster parents will not always realise how important their intervention is in the life of a child, but it makes a complete difference to a child, to be in a loving home, versus an institution.”

To date, some 172 children were reported to be in foster care, while 43 children were reunited with their families.

The ministry also implemented the teenage pregnancy programme that was crafted to mitigate incidents and vulnerabilities linked with sexual behaviour by empowering youths (young women and men) under the purview of the CPA.

Over 150 teenagers were reported to have benefitted from this programme in 2023.

Further, over 300 childcare facilities received licences to operate in 2023. This ensured the safety and protection of thousands of children who are cared for at those facilities.165 caregivers are employed at these facilities, while 400 were registered under the ministry’s Early Childhood Unit.

In November 2023, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that some 19,000 Persons with Disabilities who are on the public assistance register will benefit from an additional $35,000 bonus in December 2023. This amounted to $660 million.

This assistance was also extended to persons living with HIV and those with cancer.

Also in December 2023, old-age pensioners each received a $25,000 bonus. This distribution, which was received by thousands of pensioners across Guyana, totalled $1.8 billion.

In 2023, thousands of vulnerable Guyanese found refuge through programmes offered by the ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit.

Minister Persaud noted that these programmes were born out of compassion and commitment, and have made a significant impact on the lives of many.

The programme was reported to be a crucial lifeline for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, allowing vulnerable citizens to get up to three months’ worth of supplies.