–initiative fosters civic responsibility and youth empowerment across Guyana

THE Guyana Centre for Civil Engagement (GYCCE) recently hosted a graduation ceremony for the Region 10 cohort of its YouthEngage592 Leadership Training Programme, celebrating the achievements of 41 students and eight mentors who successfully completed the initiative. The event was held at Lichas Hall in Linden, marking another milestone in advancing youth leadership and civic engagement across the country.
The programme, sponsored by the US Embassy in Guyana, is part of GYCCE’s wider mission to promote civic education and active citizenship among young people.
Earlier this year, training sessions commenced at Mackenzie High School, involving students from four secondary institutions—Mackenzie High, Linden Foundation Secondary, New Silver City Secondary, and Christiansburg-Wismar Secondary.
Over several weeks, participants engaged in a curriculum built around six key modules: Civic Engagement, Elections and Voting Education, Ethical Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Volunteerism, and Project Planning, along with Lessons on Patriotism. The sessions were aimed at equipping students with practical leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of their civic responsibilities.
Delivering the feature address, Mayor of Linden Sharma Solomon urged the graduates to serve as agents of positive change within their communities, noting that youth leadership is vital to strengthening democracy and development in Guyana.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of GYCCE Nareema Alli highlighted the importance of volunteerism and civic engagement as foundations for strong, connected communities. Deputy Mayor of Linden Dominique Blair also commended the graduates, praising the programme for “empowering the next generation of civic leaders who will shape Guyana’s future”.
The event also saw special awards being presented to outstanding participants and mentors: Most Promising Leader: Jahvauntié Elréico Gordon, recognised for exceptional leadership of the Mackenzie High Civic Club; Most Impacting Project: Christiansburg-Wismar Secondary School – honoured for their School Garden Project benefitting the local nursery school, where students prepared the land, planted seedlings, and donated a watering can to sustain the initiative; and Outstanding Mentorship Award: Ms. Petula Welch of New Silver City Secondary School, for her dedication and guidance to her students throughout the programme.
The GYCCE team present at the event included Deputy Director Nareema Alli, Curriculum Coordinator Feroze Khan, and alumni Jonathan Persaud and Daniella Henry from the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne cohort.
Founded in April 2023 by Deodat Persaud, the GYCCE is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation headquartered in Region Six. Persaud, who conceptualised the Centre as part of his Community Action Project during the Community Solutions Programme in the United States, has since expanded the initiative to foster civic education and youth leadership across Guyana.
Through initiatives like YouthEngage592, the GYCCE continues to inspire young Guyanese to become informed, ethical, and active citizens; ready to lead with purpose and passion in their communities and beyond.