The First Assembly of God Church in Wortmanville yesterday opened a multi-million dollar building aimed at providing training, recreation and support programmes to empower mainly children, youths and the destitute to realise their potential so they can meaningfully contribute to society.
Generation Next, located at Lot 7 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, cost the church close to $100M to build and it is equipped with the facilities to offer technical and vocational skills training, information technology, career mentorship, recreational events, protocol training and fine arts training.
The three-storey building was declared open during a ceremony attended by a capacity crowd, with Minister of Human Services & Social Security, Priya Manickchand, being among the attendees.
Described as “multi-faceted” the new facility is intended to position beneficiaries for national and international careers and advance learning opportunities in order to enhance their economic viability.
It is hoped that the facility would provide high quality community programmes by trained and caring professionals, and enhance the talents, skills and abilities of children and youths through educational, recreational and skills programmes. Further, the aim is to assist youths achieve personal advancement through life-skills training and career mentorship, and enhance the recognition of the programmes offered through appropriate certification and accreditation.
The provision of practical support porgrammes to restore hope and dignity to marginalised and destitute adults and children is also on the list of objectives.
The building is equipped with state-of-the-art computer laboratories and an industrial kitchen for the preparation and delivery of hot meals to destitute schoolchildren and homeless persons, among other facilities.
The main target groups are males and females between the ages of 12 and 49 drawn from low income families, school drop-outs, unemployed youths, street children and youths seeking development from Wortmanville and neighbouring communities. Also targeted are marginalised adults and those seeking educational development, drawn from Wortmanville and neighbouring communities as well as institutions and organisations across Guyana.
It is hoped that though guidance, counselling and training these persons will overcome tough personal and family issues.
Construction of the building commenced on October 2, 2006 and was completed last month through the generous support of members of friends of the church, along with several fundraising events.
