By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

YOUTHS in New Amsterdam have been strongly encouraged to position themselves to take full advantage of the various programmes and opportunities being provided by the government, particularly those aimed at education, skills development, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
The call was made on Monday during an engagement with members of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) in New Amsterdam, led by Member of Parliament and PPP/C Regional Party Supervisor, Zamal Hussain, alongside Regional Chairman, Junior Basant.
During the engagement, the young people were sensitised about several government initiatives and programmes from which they can benefit, as well as the importance of remaining informed about opportunities available to support their personal, educational and professional development.
Hussain encouraged the youths to be proactive in accessing these opportunities, noting that young people have an important role to play in Guyana’s continued development. He also urged them to pursue education and training, develop their skills and explore opportunities that can help them become more independent and productive.
“We have to make sure that we understand how we can tap into all the programmes that are being offered… Education is the most important thing; when you want to come out of poverty, you have to get an education… As young people, you have to educate yourselves and work to develop yourselves.”
Furthermore, Hussain spoke to the youths about the major development projects being undertaken across the country and the PPP/C government’s vision for Guyana’s continued transformation.
He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of highways, streets, bridges and other critical facilities, as well as major national projects aimed at strengthening the country’s economy and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Hussain also discussed the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and its importance to Guyana’s long-term energy development, while pointing to other transformative initiatives being pursued across various sectors.
He encouraged the youths to pay close attention to the country’s development and understand how these investments are creating new opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship and skills development, particularly for the younger generation.
Monday evening’s engagement also provided an opportunity for the PYO members to share their views, raise concerns and discuss issues affecting young people within New Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Junior Basant, encouraged the youths to remain actively involved in their communities and to take advantage of the many opportunities available to support their personal and professional development.
Basant urged the young people to align themselves with government programmes that can contribute meaningfully to their growth, particularly initiatives focused on education, skills training, entrepreneurship, employment and other forms of youth empowerment.
With a heavy focus on the importance of the role a sound education and the furthering of one’s studies can play in the development of one’s life, he stressed that young people should not allow opportunities to pass them by, but should instead remain informed and “align” themselves to benefit from programmes that can equip them with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to build successful and independent futures.
The Regional Chairman also encouraged the youths to play an active role in the development of their communities by becoming more involved in positive activities, sharing their ideas and contributing to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
He reminded them that they represent an important part of Guyana’s future and therefore have a responsibility to prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities being created as the country continues to develop.