– 1000 at-risk and vulnerable youths to benefit

THE launch of off-shore oil production by Guyana and predictions that the economy will achieve high growth this year and yield huge revenues from its petroleum resources has been hailed as a great achievement by Ambassador of Japan, Tatsuo Hirayama.

In his remarks, at the signing of an agreement to the tune of approximately US$95,000 grant aid from the Japan Government, the Japanese envoy underscored the need for focus to be paid on the younger generation. The grant is to facilitate the renovation and expansion of the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. Youth Centre at the VYC office, located at Luckhoo Street, D’Urban Backlands.

The ambassador said, “if we could empower them to become active members of society, through mentorship and vocational training, its effect would have multi-faceted implications – both economically and socially. Thus, we will be able to build a more inclusive society where our youths will become more involved and play a more prominent role in their communities.”

Unfortunately, he added, there is a portion of society that is vulnerable and disadvantaged, and we have to extend our assistance and provide an opportunity for growth that is resilient and self-sustaining.

Noting that the Year 2020 and the new decade will be of paramount importance for Guyana, he urged “… when you take off, you should ensure that nobody will be left behind and also that you will advance on the right track. This means the economic benefits must be shared and enjoyed in a balanced manner throughout the society and country.”
As such, he sees the need for mentorship and vocational training for the younger generation, with particular focus on those who have a vast potential but may not have the immediate means to get started.

According to the envoy, the role of the VYC is quite essential and such facilities should be equipped to assist and empower younger generations in need. The centres must, first of all, become a haven for those who want to escape troublesome environments, and then become an institution in which those youths can grow through mentorship, and eventually become self-dependent with vocational skills, academic support and career guidance.
We have to ensure that these youths can step outside their comfort zones and move on to a bright and prosperous future, he said, while noting that the undertaking would be a long and winding path, but it would be an extremely rewarding challenge that all should be prepared to face.

The ambassador, who is on his third visit to this country and noted that it is the third time that his country and the VYC have been collaborating on projects, further expressed the hope that the contributions by his government would yield tangible outcomes by empowering youths to become full-fledged members of society. Also, that the project will be of tangible benefit to all stakeholders.

Affixing her signature on behalf of the centre was Goldie Scott, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VYC. Also present were, Forbes July, Director of Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kashir Khan, Honorary Consul General for Japan in Guyana and Samuel John of SAEA Construction, who will execute the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, for the Expansion of Volunteer Youth Corps Youth Centre works.

The centre offers programmes in STEM education, inclusive of Robotics lessons for 500-odd students from Grades nine-11 at 12 high schools in Georgetown; youth employment training; career guidance and Big Brothers–Big Sisters mentoring.
According to the Foreign Ministry official, Forbes July, the project is a collaboration with the Government of japan which is regarded as one of Guyana’s key development partners.
“The importance of this project cannot be over-emphasised, given the objectives, intended final outcomes, and beneficiaries, which include at-risk youths, as it seeks to improve access to quality education and social services for at-risk and vulnerable youths,” July added.

He noted that undoubtedly the expanded facilities and amenities of the centre, as a result of the project, will have a positive impact on the youths from the communities it serves and beyond, including the Lodge-Meadow Brook, and surrounding areas, as the centre strives to meaningfully engage, equip, and provide ample opportunities for all youths to become productive members of society.
He opined that the project is even more imperative at this particular juncture in the development of the country.

The works, which is due to commence on March 31, 2020 and last for one year, will entail an expansion of the current space to that of four floors. This expansion will allow for the over 1000 at-risk and vulnerable youths to enjoy a more comfortable learning environment and improved access to quality education and social services.

Although it involves the VYC, a non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation, it is also representative of the international cooperation between the two countries, resulting from the existing bonds of friendship between the governments and people of the two countries, which was cemented on June 11, 1969.