Minister Broomes pledges Government’s continued support to at-risk youth

-during outreach to VYC

Georgetown, Guyana – (May 17, 2019) Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Ms. Simona Broomes, last evening, paid a special visit to the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) Incorporated, as part of her plan to strengthen existing institutions that are geared towards youth development.  The visit and interactive session was held at the VYC’s Lot ‘E’ Luckhoo Street, Durban Backlands location.

Minister Broomes reiterated that the Government remains committed to supporting institutions aimed at developing the nation’s youth.  She also underscored the importance of the programmes like those offered by the VYC as it “provides a chain of hope” for vulnerable youth.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Ms Simona Broomes receives a token of appreciation from Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC)’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Goldie Scott and volunteers, at the close of her visit to the centre this afternoon.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Ms Simona Broomes with the students, volunteers and the Chief Executive Officer of the Volunteer Youth Corps, during a visit to the centre.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Ms Simona Broomes interacting with the youths at the Volunteers Youth Corps.

“I am committed to working towards the goal of training, employment and equality… and there is an institute here that the Government can work with and support.  We recognise as a Government that there is a challenge with our young people and that is why we have focused on youths since President Granger’s assumption to office and now it is reflected in my role as Minister of Youth Affairs,” she said.

During the interactive session with the youth, the Minster encouraged them to be positive examples in their own communities and to focus on achieving their goals.

Meanwhile, VYC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Goldie Scott thanked the Minister for her pledge to aid the organisation, which has existed for 24 years.  She noted that the VYC has hosted an after school interactive Math and Science Programme and is now hosting STEM workshops in 12 schools in partnership with the Ministry of Education and ExxonMobil.

Ms. Scott also said that the ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’ Mentorship programme, one of the organisation’s initial programmes, has netted tremendous success over the years, noting that several graduates from this programme are now volunteers.  She also said that the organisation intends to continue to equip young persons with the necessary skills and techniques that will help them to achieve their full potentials.