FORTY-THREE students and 11 teachers, on Saturday, graduated after completing the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement’s YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training in Region Two.
The graduation ceremony took place in the auditorium of Abram Zuil Secondary School.
The participating schools included Anna Regina Secondary School, Abram Zuil Secondary and the Charity, Johanna Cecilia, Cotton Field, and Aurora Secondary Schools.
The transformative programme aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only knowledgeable about civic responsibility but also equipped to effect real change in their communities.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, while delivering the feature address emphasised the life-changing impact of leadership and the importance of servant leadership.
She noted that ethical leaders often take paths that others might avoid.
“Good leaders recognise other leaders and work together. There must be resilience. Remember, someone is looking at you and aspiring to be you,” said Dr. Mohamed-Martin said.
She used the opportunity to praise the participants for being part of a wonderful programme and expressed confidence that each of them would bring about positive change in their community.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek, congratulated the students and teachers and highlighted the numerous opportunities and exchange programmes that are available to help young people expand their knowledge. She encouraged them to use their knowledge to make a difference.
“Your country is an amazing place with many opportunities in all sectors, and you have mentors to assist you. We also have internships to support you,” said Galanek.
Community Solutions Programme alumnus, Deodat Persaud, urged young people to volunteer and be more involved in society.
He explained that the training modules were designed to equip young people with essential skills in civic engagement, democratic participation, ethical leadership, and volunteerism.
“For every student graduating, they had to complete a project. I was amazed by what students did in volunteering and making a change. This is the beginning of your volunteering journey. Guyana is your country, and you must be willing to volunteer,” said Persaud.
The participants underwent an intensive two-month training which focused on civic engagement, voting education, conflict resolution, and project planning and fostering a strong ethos of volunteerism within their communities.
“The YOUthEngage592 programme seeks to increase civic engagement among high school students in Guyana, empower students to actively participate in the democratic process, and foster a sense of volunteerism and community service,” said Persaud.
During the graduation ceremony, students from various school clubs had the opportunity to present their projects to the gathering.
The programme, which commenced at J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School, is intended to benefit 100 students from Regions Two, Six and Seven.
The participants received certificates in recognition of their dedication and for completing a community-based project.
The best leader award was given to the Anna Regina Secondary School while the best project award was given to Charity Secondary. The best mentor award was given to Abram Zuil Secondary School.
