So far 45 youths have been selected from Regions Four, Six and Ten and have been trained to be community youth facilitators.
In that role they will basically work with the various community organizations as peace facilitators since it is felt that youths can more easily reach their peers.
The programme was developed with much government input and based on needs assessments. It also focuses on enhanced community relations, social cohesion and reduced risks. Its theme is ”Enhanced Public Trust, Security and Inclusion” and is being managed by Trevor Clarke.
Clarke following the official launch at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, yesterday told Stabroek News that in the selection process the body was careful to ensure a good diversity.
He said the main aim of the project was to empower the youths to bring about positive change at the community level. According to him the youths already have the support of the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
He noted that most of the youths have a university education or have gone through technical and vocational training.
Clarke said the other 55 youths will come from the other regions as well as interior locations while the project will run for another three years.
The youths will be paid a stipend to cover expenses incurred as a result of their participation in the programme.
Clarke said it was difficult at this time to say how much the UN will expend on the programme but he noted that the resources were available for the entire duration of the programme.
At the official launching ceremony Prime Minister Samuel Hinds shared words of wisdom with the youths.
