The Department of Culture, Youth and Sport (DCYS) — a part of the Ministry of Education (MoE) — launched its inaugural Youth Innovation Project on Monday, as the country celebrates Youth Week 2017.
This initiative, a flagship project of the DCYS that is being funded by the Government of Guyana in its 2017 budget, aims to provide opportunity for Guyanese youths to design, develop and produce innovative ideas to combat challenges plaguing their schools and communities, while at the same time foster a green economy.
This is with the incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Anthropology, Architecture, Archeology, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality; otherwise known as STEAMS.
The launching event featured a number diverse cultural performances, as well as a series of remarks from those who were at the forefront in the preparation of this major youth opportunity.
In attendance at the Umana Yana on Monday were Acting President Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister in the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, who both led the ribbon-cutting ceremony; as well as other government officials, members of the private and public sectors, and students representing schools from around Georgetown.
Speaking at the launch was a key player in the development of the Youth Innovation Project, Bridget Hinds, who expressed delight in the introduction of the Department’s initiative while highlighting its importance in the contemporary Guyanese society. Hinds also pointed out the objectives of the project, stating: “This project purports to engage all youths from the ten regions of this dear land in a collaborative, concertive effort to produce out-of-the-box solutions to the physical, social, and psychological ills of our environment.”
Also speaking at the event was the project manager, Grace Roberts-Simon, who revisited the initial stages of the project and indicated the underlying goals of the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPOG), which were keenly addressed in the project’s outline.
“It all started with the vision of Minister Nicolette Henry when she envisioned tapping into the innovative minds and pioneering spirit of young Guyanese. YIPOG aims to unite, creative and innovate ideas that will lead young Guyanese between the ages of 16-35 from all administrative regions, including Georgetown, to aspire to produce solutions to issues and challenges in this beautiful green land of Guyana,” the project manager stated.
Roberts-Simon went on to say that the Youth Innovation Project will be supported by the Department’s existing partners, a list which includes the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Program (YEST), the Volunteerism Support Platform (VSP), and the President’s Youth Award, Republic of Guyana (PYARG).
Delivering the feature address, Minister Nicolette Henry explained that youths are the backbone of the country, and must be given the necessary platform to thrive.
She said she believes this project is the perfect opportunity for young Guyanese to play their part in shaping the cohesive society, as well as a well-developed economy.
“It is our firm belief that the Youth Innovation Project will create an enabling environment, (wherein) our young people will be able to realise their true potential, thus playing their part in fostering social cohesion, helping us to protect our environment, forging economic prosperity, and applying best practices for a green economy,” Minister Henry posited.
The managing team of the Youth Innovation Project 2017
The Minister said this investment in youths is particularly important for the country, and she indicated that the Ministry of Finance has pledged $50 million to this initiative.
Apart from Government’s input, the project would also be supported by business entities, both locally and foreign; and those would facilitate the implementation of over 20 projects that would be selected after the application process.
The Ministry is now open for application from groups consisting of no more than 10 persons (both in and out of the school system) within the ages of 16 and 35, who wish to propose a solution with the integration of STEAMS in the execution of their action plan. Applications were officially opened on Monday, and will last through to the end of June, after which a two-month assessment process will follow.
The winning projects will be announced during the month of September, also Education Month, during which the grants will be presented to offset the overhead costs of the project.
The proposals will be assessed and awarded in five categories: Most relevant to sustainable communities; Most creative and innovative; Best plan and project design; Best use of STEAMS; and Best presentation.
The launch of the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana has been one in a list of activities tabled for the celebration of Youth Week, 2017. The official celebrations were kick-started with a youth rally on Sunday, and will conclude with a National Youth Symposium to be hosted on Thursday.
This year marks the reintroduction of the week of celebrations after a two-decade hiatus, and was observed under the theme ‘Inspiring our Youths, Celebrating their Achievements’.
