The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Thursday launched its ‘Young Influencers’ programme to prepare youths to make a difference within their communities and among their peers.
The ministry said the one-year programme, which was launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), brings together 25 outstanding young people from across the country, who are expected to be actively involved in community outreach and other programmes.
Speaking at the launch, Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said that the idea of the forum is not only to empower youth, but to be able influence others in a positive direction, and to create linkages with other youth across the country.
“Influence is not something that should be misused, it should not be seen as power. It should be seen as a tool or an instrument or mechanism where you can guide people along a path that is beneficial to them, by being the best example and not just saying you are the best example,” she was quoted as saying by the ministry
Persaud said the first batch of influencers would be exposed to public speaking training and would be educated about social and other issues plaguing society, especially youth. They would also be informed about some of the services the ministry provides.
“A big part of what you will do is to reach out into communities and work with young people like yourself who may not have had the opportunity to have mentors, who may not have the best of exposure and who may have had difficult experiences and those things would have allowed them to see themselves in a limited way,” she further said.
Persaud also noted that the aim is also to create an experience through volunteerism, that will galvanise the youth to move forward in a way that would also allow them to benefit. The youths would also have the opportunity to conceptualise a project that engages young people in a positive way. Once the project is viable, funding will be made available for its implementation.
Also present at the launch was British High Commissioner (ag) Ray Davidson, who the ministry said lauded the initiative, while noting that it provides a platform for young people to think outside the box and make a difference in society.
“You, Guyana’s youth, can make a difference. Whether it is changing peoples’ attitudes, suggesting and introducing reforms, becoming an entrepreneur, volunteering for projects within your communities or just simply saying ‘no’ when you see injustice and discrimination. You might be young, but you can make a difference,” he said.
High Commissioner Davidson stressed the benefits of volunteerism and how it can help to not only make a difference in others’ lives, but also help individuals cope with stress emotions, gain professional experience and impact job and scholarship opportunities.
He referred to the Chevening scholarship programme, which offers a Master’s Degree programme for Guyanese youth every year. “I am on the sift panel for applications. One of the first things I will look for is what volunteer experience does the applicant have. This will play a major part in deciding whether a scholarship is awarded,” he said.
