WHAT began as a simple act of compassion in her community has grown into nearly two decades of dedicated social work, as founder Juanita Burrowes continues to lead United Bricklayers in supporting some of Guyana’s most vulnerable groups. Established in 2008, the non-governmental organisation has evolved from its early focus on HIV prevention into a broad-based support system addressing issues ranging from child abuse and mental health to youth reintegration and family counselling.
Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine as Guyana and the rest of the world observe Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Burrowes said the work has always been driven by what she witnessed growing up. Over the years, United Bricklayers has expanded its reach, removing hundreds of children from the streets, assisting families with essential services, and working closely with state agencies.
United Bricklayers was founded on the same principles that it holds today. As one of the oldest non-profits in Guyana, it began with the simple mission of creating a non-discriminatory, educational, safe space for those facing social hardships and challenges. Sharing insight into the role of the NGO, Burrowes stated, “It is a non-profit, non-discriminatory, non-governmental, membership-based organisation which advocates for social structures that address every social issue, providing care, support, and prevention, working in partnership with relevant organisations and the broader community at large,” she said.
Founded on 9th May 2008 under the Friendly Society Act, the organisation still operates under the same mission. As Burrowes added, “Our vision is a society which acts to support, empower, and defend the rights of vulnerable groups, allowing persons to enjoy equal opportunities and develop their full potential,” she said.
Helping people through a wide range of social challenges, United Bricklayers offers several services. Burrowes explained that the organisation provides HIV prevention education, voluntary counselling and testing, and HIV counselling and testing.
The foundation also works on the reintegration of children and families through psychosocial counselling, dealing with issues such as sexual abuse, child abuse, and mental health. “We work with in-school and out-of-school youths, youths who come in contact with the law and youths who come into conflict with the law—teenage pregnancy, job readiness, birth certificates, and applications. We assist persons, especially young people, who have never had the opportunity to obtain a birth certificate,” she said.
The organisation works to help people gain access to proper documentation and information so they can move forward. United Bricklayers also works closely with law enforcement, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and other government agencies, as well as the wider community. This collaboration has helped the organisation build a strong referral system, allowing a wider reach to connect people to services they may not be able to provide directly.
United Bricklayers was originally founded at a time when Guyana and the rest of the region were grappling heavily with HIV awareness and prevention. Today, however, that is no longer the sole focus, as the organisation has grown and shifted with changing social realities. As Burrowes explained, “After we started with HIV prevention programmes, people began coming forward with issues like violence, sexual abuse, and family issues. That shifted our work from just HIV to working more with vulnerable children and broader social issues,” she noted.
That shift led to an expansion of programmes over the years. The organisation moved beyond prevention work into more direct intervention and support systems. “We expanded our programmes. We started with HIV prevention projects and then moved into larger programmes. We also started feeding programmes where children would come and receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” she said. These programmes also included educational support, psychosocial care, and structured engagement for children who were previously on the streets or in unstable home environments.
Today, however, she noted that the social landscape has changed significantly, and new challenges continue to emerge. A major concern remains teenage sexual behaviour, substance use, and increasing reports of abuse and violence affecting young people. “We are seeing a lot of teenage sexual behaviour and substance use in our society,” she said. She also highlighted concerns about violence within households and peer environments, as well as increasing gang activity and substance abuse, including vaping. “There is a breakdown in values and respect. Parents are focused on daily survival, and children are not getting the moral guidance they need,” she added.
This is why Burrowes believes that continued collaboration between government, NGOs, schools, and communities is essential to addressing these issues. “We need government and NGOs to work together to address the behaviour of young people,” she said.
Looking ahead, United Bricklayers is placing greater focus on schools, which Burrowes sees as a critical entry point for early intervention. “Our main focus right now is to work more in schools, with teachers and students. We want to work on substance use and sexual education among young people, starting from nursery level,” she said.
For Burrowes, the work remains deeply personal, rooted in lived experience and a long-standing commitment to community service. What began as small acts of helping children in need has grown into an organisation that continues to respond to some of the most pressing social issues facing Guyana today. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to continuing that work, one person at a time.
Members of the public seeking support or intervention can access help through the United Bricklayers Organisation, Lot 25 Charles Place, New Amsterdam, Berbice, or via contact numbers 693-1775, 698-6580 (Mr Jamaul King), 696-9803 and 683-0283 (Ms Juanita Burrowes), and Ms Roxan La Rose on 683-0283. National support services are also available through Guyana’s emergency helplines 914 and 915.
