Region Six hosts Day of Awareness

 

• part of National Youth week activities
• youths urged to take the lead to make positive changes

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, May 27, 2018

As National Youth week activities drew to a close on Friday, several Secondary School students from across the Lower Corentyne area participated in a youth empowerment art expression exercise at the Port Mourant Market.

The students painted positive messages addressing societal ills which impact the lives of youths. The activity which was held at the Jama Youth Choice Building in Port Mourant was hosted by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

In her remarks, Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael-Haynes committed to ensuring sufficient resources are allocated for youths to be involved in meaningful activities in a designated space where they can freely express themselves.

“At the Department of Youth, we are going to ensure that programmes and activities are put in place to reach your needs and to ensure that you have a space that you can express how you feel. We want to also ensure your development is not affected by the lifestyles or choices of your parents or relatives.”

The youth director encouraged the students to let their voices be heard in order to effect change in society.  “You are today’s change agents. It is your voice that has to send the message that young people are important… Once you stand up someone will listen… You are important, you are necessary!”

Culture and Youth Officer for Region Six, Omeshwar Sirikishun explained that the aim of the activity was to ensure young people are more aware and capable of confronting societal ills such as suicide, mental health, crime and violence. He promised that similar exercises will be held in the future.

Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge of Number 2 Sub-Division (Lower and Upper Corentyne and Corentyne River), Superintend Boodnarine Persaud commended the initiative and assured that the GPF is in full support of activities of this nature.

Regional Executive Officer Kim Williams-Stephens told the students as the nation’s trustees of prosperity, it is vital that they are empowered in order to progress.  “You are talented; you have the ability to do things that can lend to your own development. I want to encourage you to be strong, do not quit, and love yourself. If you love yourself then you would not do anything to that is harmful to your body. Stay positive and happy!”

International Youth Week was observed from May 20 to 27 under the theme, “Empowering Young People to Foster National and Community Development through Innovation”.

 

By: Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

Image by Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur.