WARREN Barlow is no stranger to community work, and for decades, he has been empowering youths in depressed communities through motivational talks (socially), sports and educational programmes.

He has been upgrading the lives of youths for as long as he can remember, and it is something he holds very close as a religious leader whose aim is to educate and uplift youths.

As a religious leader, he is also an Imam and holds a full-time job, but community work is his pride and joy, and he has invested many years to lift youths out of helplessness. He has provided a platform for them and has been a guiding force for the youths of Albouystown and other villages who need direction for a positive change in their life choices and to make them marketable for gainful employment.

Often Barlow would put up a big screen television on the masjid’s compound to entertain youths. Through motivational talks, he would assist them in making better life choices and developing themselves into role models. Barlow would provide refreshments at such meetings and sports activities on the grounds of the mosque, providing a safe space for youths in the community.

Barlow grew up at Hogstye, Corentyne, Berbice and attended the Alness Primary School and then went on to Winifred Gaskin Secondary School at Manchester village.

Giving a background to his academic achievements, Barlow reported that he successfully obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, went on for his Master’s Degree, and is presently doing his doctorate in sustainable agriculture, which is nearing completion.

He added that he is also pursuing two postgraduate courses.

Barlow served as the Principal of the Berbice Islamic School from 2005 to 2012. In the same capacity, he served at Guyana Islamic Trust Imam Masjid and Najm in Albouystown from 2012 to 2017. He has been attached to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara as the Training Manager for the entire facility since 2021.

Community work
Barlow has been actively involved in community work for decades. He started in 2012 in the city and began that journey when he was living in Berbice. He has been in the religious field since 2003. Barlow did tremendous community work with the youths in education development, had extra lessons in place and participated in relief efforts with residents.

Barlow told the Pepperpot Magazine that volunteerism has been a part of his life for a long time and he enjoys doing it even if it means he has little or no time for personal recreation.

Having developed a deep love for working with underprivileged youths, he partnered with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct educational programmes in terms of skills training, sports, and motivational talks.

During Barlow’s visits to depressed communities, he started his food hamper and clothing drives with the Police Youth Group Impact Albouystown. He is the official imam for the Guyana Police Force and Muslim Chaplin for interfaith activities, and in his bid to reach out to people from all across the country, Barlow participates in social and educational programmes for youths.

For his community calls in Albouystown, youths are engaged in basketball and football competitions, among other sports activities.

Barlow was awarded the Ambassador for Universal Peace Federation in 2013, having been recognised for his selfless acts of leadership and volunteerism.

“Community work has consumed my life from a young age as a religious leader and upstanding member in society. I am often called upon to lead and I enjoy working with youths from all walks of life. It is meaningful work, and it doesn’t bother me that I have given up so much of my time assisting others. This is what I do, and this is what makes me happy, but it is also about empowering others,” he said.