Over $2M in items donated to boost Reg. 6 communities
― Part of GOG/IDB partnership through CSSP programme
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, October 10, 2019
The communities of Angoy’s Avenue, Kilcoy/Chesney and Bush Lot/Adventure today on October 9, received items that will see over 100 persons directly benefitting from programmes that target specific groups in the areas of job creation, recreation and education.
This was made possible through a partnership between the International Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Security under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme’s (CSSP) Rapid Impact Project.
The CSSP programme is a countrywide one that seeks to enhance each of the community to make them safer with short term and long-term solutions that seek among other things to reduce crime by engaging at-risk population in meaningful activities such as vocational training, recreation and education. In Berbice, 12 groups are benefitting – six each in Region 5 and 6.
The donations are aimed at making an immediate impact on the respective communities.
Angoy’s Avenue received stationery, sport gear and farming tools. These were donated to the Community Action Officer (CAO), Pinkey Author at the Angoy’s Avenue Adolescence Youth Space. The items will be used by young people who utilise the facility. The farming tools, she noted, will be used to establish a kitchen garden at the facility which in turn will facilitate the teaching of farming techniques and also the generation of funds that will be re-invested for the benefit of the youths.
Kilcoy/Chesney also received sport gear and a brush cutter. The CAO, Arjuna Veersammy said, the equipment will go a long way in getting the youths meaningfully occupied and help to harness their energies positively. In the long-term, the community will also benefit from a basketball court.
Meanwhile, at Kildonan Community Centre several kitchen appliances and utensils were handed over to boost a catering class targetting young single mothers. The equipment will enhance programmes already ongoing that target residents between the villages of Bush Lot and Adventure on the Corentyne Coast. Before the presentation, the gathering saw the commencement of a baking and cake decoration class. It was highlighted that with the donation the community are well on their way to move into the next phase of their catering classes.
The CAO for the community explained that through a partnership with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) the participants will receive recognised certification that will help make them more marketable, upon completion of the programme.
The community will also receive donations for the completion of a multi-purpose court that will further engage youths in other recreational activities.
According to the Community Action Specialist, Lauren Fraser, a needs assessment was conducted in each community which helped to identify the projects that best suit each area; this was followed by the submission of a proposal to the IDB. Upon approval, funding is released and the items needed are procured to see the successful implementation of the initiatives.