Over 670 youths graduate from PYARG programme

-Region Three named most outstanding unit

Over 670 youths graduated with awards at the gold, silver and bronze levels at the 14th anniversary award ceremony of the President Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme held on Saturday.

Jamal Frazer and Onieka Stellingberg won the prize for the most outstanding awardees at the gold level, while Region Three was the most outstanding unit, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The duo and others received awards and trophies from President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King who is also the PYARG Executive.
In his address, Anthony described the PYARG as Guyana’s premier youth programme.

He noted that it has equipped participants with the skills to become community leaders and role models, particularly in the HIV/AIDS programme where many are trained as peer educators.

“With the introduction of the Caravan of Hope, mobile awardees were able to disseminate the message about the fight against HIV/AIDS, reaching youths in Regions 1, 2, 6,7,8,9 and 10,” GINA said. Unit leaders were trained in peer counselling, and peer educators were trained to use theatre and the performing arts to craft and present messages about HIV/AIDS and other issues that affect youths.

Many of the participants have provided useful services to the nation, ranging from painting pedestrian crossings, working at orphanages and hospitals, homes for the elderly to caring for the environment and participating in environmental projects. One important aspect of the training was held at Shell Beach, Region One where leaders and participants spent one week pursuing efforts to safeguard the leatherback turtle from extinction.

Meanwhile, in his address to the graduates, the president said their achievements are only the beginning of their journey. He noted too that many challenges lay ahead that would require wise decision-making and action. Citing drug addiction, gun crimes and other vices among the challenges that are a danger to the youth population, Ramotar urged them to safeguard against these ills. “We have to arm our young people with the skills and necessary training to face the challenges that are ahead of us… the need to be multi-disciplined is becoming more and more important,” he said. The president then encouraged the graduates to travel throughout the country as there is much more to offer than what is seen on the densely populated Coast.

According to Ramotar, over 30% of the country’s budget is going to the social sector and technical vocational programmes like the Board of Industrial Training and the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme targeting school drop outs, as government aims to empower the nation’s youth.

GINA said the PYARG programme is a model of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, International Award for Young People, adapted by former President Janet Jagan in 1998. Over the years it has equipped over 13,000 youths between the ages of 14 to 25 with skills in four core areas: services, expedition, skills and physical recreation. To date, about 6700 awards been conferred.