The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is inviting young people to apply to join its ‘Young Influencers’ programme
The ministry is seeking 25 diverse and dynamic youths between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
“The Young Influencers programme is geared towards encouraging and empowering young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities through their skillsets and talents while reflecting the characteristics of positive role models and ambassadors for young people,” the ministry said in a release issued on Saturday.
Persons who are selected will get to work alongside the Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who conceptualised the programme to enable youths to tackle social ills and participate in impactful projects for a year.
The release said applicants can expect a journey filled with opportunities, such as learning about the ministry’s services and social ills, community outreaches and projects, television and talent expression forays, speaking on international platforms, peer engagements and education and participation in a number of programmes.
Prospective candidates are expected to show their skills by conceptualising a promotional video piece on one of the ministry’s existing programmes. The youths will also have to detail some of the work they would have done within their respective communities.
Among some of the traits that candidates must possess are good communication skills, social media savviness and influence, eloquence, strong morals and ethics, and a passion for volunteering and community work. The application deadline is February 18, 2022 and can be completed via the following link: https://forms.gle/ur5nJS5riLpEoNAZ8
Andrew Hing, from Region Four, who was part of the inaugural batch of Young Influencers, has said that being a young influencer has helped him to become more outspoken and he has also learned a lot. “As a young influencer, I got exposed to training that enlightened me on social issues and ways to deal with them. It was very interesting to learn about conflict resolution, abuse and so much more from institutions that actually handle these situations,” he was quoted as saying in the release.
“I would encourage anyone that is interested to be part of this incredible journey. You definitely will not regret it,” Hing added, while noting that the public training helped him to come out of his shell.
Another member of the inaugural batch, Junisha Johnny, of Region Nine, opined that she has received skills which will stay with her throughout life. “The ability gained to empathise with a group of youths who often have very different needs will be a huge help in the future, whether in the workplace or in the home. Therefore, I encourage youths out there to join and become a young influencer let’s pave the way and give Guyanese youths a better future!” she said.
