MYRLENE Cave, an enthusiastic community-based volunteer, dedicates a lot of her time to capacity building for the youths and children of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

She is a member of the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club, located in the compound of the school canteen in Mocha.

Cave related that the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club was established on November 14, 2014 with 105 participants, who comprised children and youths from the village. It was a Guyana Police Force (GPF) initiative to foster better public and law enforcement relations.

However, over the years, some of the youths grew out of the Club, while others left. But today, they have about 45 regular members from ages five to 17 years old, all locals from the community.

The community volunteer told the Pepperpot Magazine that they share the canteen space for the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club, and have a series of capacity-building projects for the participants.

Cave related that she would teach craft by recycling bottles, bowls and tins, and transforming them into beautiful keepsakes like bands, necklaces and beaded jewels which are often sold or kept for decorations.

The Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club will resume their regular programme for 2024 this Saturday from 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs, as their last meeting was their Christmas get-together for 2023, Cave said.

The community volunteer pointed out that part of the club’s programme entails indoor and outdoor games, craft-making, sewing, lectures and Bible classes.

Cave added that community work as a volunteer is very challenging, and the club often needs assistance in many ways to keep its doors open and remain functional.

She stated that partnership is the way to go, and they have since collaborated with the Guyanese Canadian-based group named Community for Hope. They are assisting in the Bible classes aspect with documentaries and general Bible teaching.

Cave reported that she and two villagers are part of the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club, and serve as liaison persons.

The others are Annie Baker and Saskia Liverpool. Baker is very versed in the Culture aspect of the programme.

“Without these two ladies, it would be very difficult for me alone to do it all; managing a youth club takes a lot, and requires joint partnerships to be successful,” she said.

The mother of 11 told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has eight boys and three girls, and has been a part of community-based work for many years.

“When my children were small and attended the Mocha Arcadia Primary School, I hosted a hot-meal project for the children, and I also served as the President of the Parent/Teacher’s Association (PTA),” she said.

Cave is a stay-at-home mother who enjoys doing craft as her favourite pastime, and with her children grown, she has the time to do the things that bring her joy, like volunteerism.

She noted that in Mocha Arcadia, they would have a Market Day once a month, and she would have a stall to sell/showcase her hand-made products, all recycled baskets from tins, bottles and, bowls and other materials found in the environment.

The Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Region One (Barima-Waini) Mabaruma, and has lived in Mocha for over 40 years.

The 64-year-old stated that she will be celebrating her 65th birth anniversary in May this year, and she is looking forward to it.

Cave reported that she has scaled down on other community-based projects, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but she hopes things will start to take shape again soon.

She stated that the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club meets every Saturday to have regular community capacity-building sessions for children and youths.

“I don’t think I can stop doing community work as a volunteer, because it is part of my life, and I like being of use to others, to assist in any way that I can,” she reasoned.

Cave is well-known in the community, and with her inbred craft skills, she is able to meet and connect with so many people locally.