Youth housed at the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre were on Tuesday encouraged to “reflect, refocus, and plan for tomorrow,” by local personal trainer and physiotherapist O’Ryan Joseph, who shared how he overcame the challenges which once led him down a destructive path.
The interactive session between Joseph, the lead trainer at Space Gym and the youth, was facilitated by EPIC Guyana, a local not-for-profit organization, which for several months now, has committed time and effort towards the capacity building of those housed at the juvenile centre.
According to a media bulletin, it is EPIC’s belief that irrespective of their individual pre-incarceration stories, being locked up is traumatizing for anyone. For children, however, this experience can be particularly difficult and destructive in many ways, and as such, EPIC hosts weekly workshops at the centre, routinely inviting people with experiences that are relatable to the children.
