AS Christmas approaches, the festive lights and joyous celebrations highlight the warmth of the season. Yet, for many families across Guyana, the holidays are marked by hardship rather than celebration. In these moments, the Young Pioneers step in, delivering the spirit of Christmas to underserved communities and offering hope where it’s needed most.

Guyana is home to a number of non-profit organisations, each with a different goal at heart. But the Young Pioneers stand out. With just a handful of people behind the venture, the Young Pioneers have goals much bigger than donations. The team has been helping rebuild communities for more than 11 years. Founded in 2013, the non-profit organisation has dedicated over a decade to uplifting vulnerable communities. Its various efforts include everything from toy drives and educational workshops to humanitarian aid and women’s empowerment initiatives. One of the core values of the Young Pioneers is that most of its projects are entirely self-funded, with the rest being supported by in-kind donations.

The woman behind the Young Pioneers is mother and broadcaster Shivanie Rampersaud. Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, she shared that, for her, the work of the Young Pioneers is deeply personal. The seeds of the NGO were planted by her grandparents, who, many years ago, supported local families in need. “My grandparents had a very similar thing going on. It wasn’t like an organisation, but they used to assist families whenever they could,” she shared. Inspired by that legacy, the group started with community efforts in Regions Three and Four before expanding to other parts of Guyana.

The scope of their work has grown significantly over the last 11 years, reaching more people in more regions with more skilled people on board. As Shivanie shared, “We do training, have counsellors on board, work on humanitarian projects, and conduct school initiatives and workshops.” Shivanie further added, “We go into communities to assess the specific needs of an area or school—whether it’s issues with children or general challenges.” The counsellors of the Young Pioneers then work with the community, talking and addressing the issues that are unique to that community.

This December, the Young Pioneers are busier than ever, preparing for their annual Christmas activities. As Shivanie told the Pepperpot Magazine, the organisation has its eyes set on two of Region Three’s biggest communities. “For 2024, we have quite a lot happening. We usually do annual parties for children in two areas: Windsor Forest, which has been running for 11 years, and Stewartville, which is in its sixth year.”
The aim of these events is clear—bringing joy to children who might otherwise miss out on the magic of Christmas. “Our goal is to ensure that children have a chance to experience that joy,” Shivanie stated. “Many of them don’t wake up to a present or have someone coming into their area to give them something because their families can’t afford it.”

The organisation accepts toy donations, both new and used, as well as items like clothing to distribute during their events. The team’s efforts extend beyond the festivities, offering long-term support to families in need. “We’ve been able to assist families during visits with medical cases, school funding, and even supplies like walkers and wheelchairs,” Shivanie noted.

Some of the areas that are particularly close to the group’s heart are smaller, lesser-known communities that may be underprivileged. “We look forward to working in these squatting areas simply because of the joy the kids get from it. We’ve been able to assist families and children with medical and educational support during our visits,” Shivanie said.

The Christmas season serves as a focal point for the Young Pioneers, but their work doesn’t stop there. Shivanie emphasised that the holiday initiatives are also an opportunity to connect with the communities they serve. “When we go out during this time, we meet people, find out about their needs, and go back later to address them. Christmas is about giving, but it’s also about interacting and learning about their needs,” Shivanie said.

Over the past years, the Young Pioneers have organised and executed a number of activities, including toy drives, book drives, outreaches, food and clothing distributions, funds for medical assistance, health and social campaigns, hamper drives, educational workshops, public assistance, and visits to old age homes and orphanages, among others. They also plan to relaunch their junior club with a focus on literacy in 2025.

Public support for the venture has grown significantly, and as the Young Pioneers continue with their plans throughout the rest of the month, their impact remains profound. At its core, the Young Pioneers embody the true spirit of Christmas—compassion, generosity, and hope. As Shivanie and her team work to bring joy to Guyana’s underserved children, they remind us that the season’s magic lies not in material wealth but in the act of giving.