Linden youths encouraged to submit ideas to YIP0G – urged to reach out to Youth Department
DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 07, 2018
Linden youths have been encouraged to submit proposals for the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPG) which will enable them to qualify for grants maximum of $2 Million to start up their businesses.
The youths were reminded that their interest is of priority to Department of Youth which is under the Ministry of Presidency. As such, they were encouraged to use all opportunities to benefit from the plethora of programmes and funding that are available.
Youths gathered at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground in Linden paying rapt attention to Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael.
This reminder was given by Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, who visited Linden on May 2 with a team to engage the youths in developing a closer relationship with them.
The youths were also encouraged to participate in the upcoming National Youth Week activities slated for the May 20 -27. While the activities will be national, on the 21, a Youth Forum will be held in Linden at the LICHAS Hall in McKenzie. Several ministers are expected to attend the forum.
Carmichael related that the purpose of the visit is to interact with the youths to ensure the Department’s programmes are reaching them and it is making an impact. “We want to know what your needs are …we won’t be making any sense if we continue to sit in Georgetown and hear from the youth population of this Region.”
Of the many concerns made by the youths was the need for recreational facilities in the mining town as well as the availability of youth empowerment programmes. Both Amelia’s Ward youth advocate and Municipal Councillor, Elise Hall and Regional Chairman, Renis Morian reiterated this fact. Carmichael promised to relay the concerns to the Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton and is optimistic that it will be addressed.
Carmichael encouraged the youths to be more proactive and to get involved in volunteerism, “you will have to be willing to seize the opportunity because sometimes, the opportunity is right in front of you and you have to be willing to accept and be willing to challenge yourself.”
The Youth Director promised to have a Youth Officer for the region appointed within the shortest possible time. She noted that while this will allow for better communication, in the interim, the Department will continue to address the needs of the Linden youths.
By: Vanessa Braithwaite.