YIPoG 2018 – unleashing youth innovation

DPI, GUYANA, Saturday, April 14, 2018

With the launch of Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) 2018, young people are being afforded the opportunity to propose solutions to address issues in their communities through Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Anthropology, Archeology, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality also known as STEAMS.

The project which was launched on April 13, under the theme “Aspire, Inspire to Reach” at the Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, is in keeping with the government’s plan to foster a ‘Green Economy’

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton was present at the launch of the project and called on young people to take advantage of the opportunity being made available through the project.

Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael-Haynes said the aim of the project is to ensure that every Guyanese youth realises their full potential.

As part of the project, monitors will be assigned to every region to facilitate youths in channelling their innovative ideas. Carmichael-Haynes also highlighted that training will be provided for persons who require assistance in proposal development in the areas of STEAMS.

“This is the opportunity for youths to lead, develop and create. This is the opportunity for youths to be involved in the development of their communities and country. I encourage all youth to get involved, utilise your skills and talents for a great cause,” the Director of Youth stated.

In 2018, a total of 21 groups and individuals were awarded grants to develop innovative solutions. Most of the projects are currently in their implementation stage while others creators are said to be securing relevant material to get their project off the ground.

Some of the projects in 2017 included the building of a benab that provides a friendly space in the community of Kabakaburi, to facilitate the teaching of the Arawak dialect. Another was the cutting-edge training in garment construction provided to several young women and girls by the Building Bridges Foundation. Shemar Spencer created a ‘Swoop mobile App’ with the primary focus on the bartering of goods and services, no money is involved. The Non-Pariel Green House Club is currently building their community centre using recycled tyres and plastic bottles.

The Youth Innovation Project of Guyana is an initiative by the government aimed at providing avenues for young people to become entrepreneurs and move away from the idea of job hunting.

Interested persons are invited to visit the Department of Youth to uplift their forms or visit the Department of Youth’s Facebook page, where it is available in softcopy. Outreach programmes will be held in those far-flung areas to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to be a part of the project. The deadline for submission of proposals is June 30, 2018.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite