Several University of Guyana (UG) students are set to undergo training through a partnership with One World Youth Project (OWYP) to facilitate a global competence curriculum in Georgetown secondary schools and to link grade schools with classrooms abroad via the use of technology platforms.
UG is one of three universities where the programme was launched this year, said a press release from OWYP, an international education non-profit organisation aimed at empowering youth with international perspectives and 21st century skills.
“Through the programme, university student participants gain the tools to teach global competence and local leadership in secondary school classrooms,” it added.
The programme connects universities around the world to build mutual respect and understanding among students worldwide. It is expected to positively impact Georgetown by having trained UG student facilitators connect local students with OWYP students in another country over the course of 30 weeks, providing opportunities for constant collaborative investigation of global interconnectedness and local action.
“We are very excited to work with the University of Guyana this year,” Jess Rimington, Executive Director of OWYP was quoted as saying.
UG’s participation is intended to add a unique set of perspectives to OWYP’s international network of universities. OWYP will build on UG’s mission to promote knowledge for the service of the community, the nation and all of mankind. Since its founding in 1963, more than 15,000 students have graduated from UG who have gone on to successful careers both locally and internationally.
“OWYP will work with UG to meet common missions, visions and goals for its university students and the community at large,” the release said. In Guyana, seven out of every 10 citizens are below 24 years and politicians and other experts agree that the country’s future lies on the youth’s abilities to propel change and tackle its major challenges such as HIV/AIDS, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence. OWYP will build leadership, awareness of community issues, innovation in problem-solving and other skills needed among secondary and UG students to build a better country and guarantee their own success in an interconnected society and economy. On completion of the year-long curriculum, secondary school students will be prepared to participate in collaborative dialogues to create change by identifying key community players and exploring ways to engage them in conversations around community issues.
