30 students graduate from Lethem YouthEngage592 training programme

The Guyana Center for Civic Engagement (GYCCE) on Saturday hosted the graduation ceremony for the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Program in Lethem, at the Takutu Hotel Benab.
According to the report, a total of 30 students and three mentors from St Ignatius Secondary School proudly completed the two-month civic leadership training.
The programme equipped participants with vital skills through modules in civic engagement, ethical leadership, conflict resolution, patriotism, elections and voting education, project planning, and volunteerism. Training sessions were facilitated by Deodat Persaud, Narima Ali, and Lauriston Choy.
In his opening remarks, Curriculum Coordinator Feroze Khan encouraged participants to remain focused in their pursuit of excellence and to use the lessons learnt as tools for personal and community transformation.
Delivering the feature address, Regional Chairperson Vania Albert applauded the initiative and urged students to seize opportunities provided by the Government, particularly in education, describing it as a key instrument for leadership development.
GYCCE Director, Mr Deodat Persaud, in his remarks, underscored the importance of youth engagement in nation-building and called for young people to demonstrate the highest form of patriotism, especially in the face of external threats. He reiterated GYCCE’s commitment to collaborating with like-minded organisations to promote civic engagement and ethical leadership as hallmarks of responsible citizenship.
Guest speaker Alyssa Melville, a Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2024 alum and representative of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, inspired students to volunteer actively and contribute to building a better Guyana.
Green Generation Group, led by Timothy Mohabir, received the Most Impacting Project Award for installing solar lights in the school compound to promote green energy and provide safer spaces for sports.
Vanderson Henry earned the Most Promising Leader Award for leading an impactful anti-littering campaign promoting environmental awareness. Another project included the setting up of a library space within the school.
Students also received Civic Engagement Kits, which included soft copies of Guyana’s Constitution and supporting materials to encourage continued learning and participation in civic life.
GYCCE, in its statement, extended appreciation to mentors Sunita Mohabir, Leoni Sears, and Louis Stanislaus for their exceptional mentorship throughout the programme, along with gratitude to the Ministry of Education.
The YouthEngage592 Leadership Training Program continues to empower high school students across Guyana.
Funded by the US State Department through the US Embassy in Georgetown, successful cohorts have already been completed in Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven and 10, fostering a network of civic-minded youth leaders committed to shaping Guyana’s future with integrity, purpose, and service.