49 graduate from Young Influencers Programme

The Human Services & Social Security Ministry on Saturday hosted its annual Graduation and Induction Ceremony for the Young Influencers Programme.
This diverse group of youths from across Guyana will work together to inspire change, have their voices heard on topics important to youths, and participate in national and international opportunities for youth development.
This programme provides dynamic support to youths who are looking to give back to their community and country as well as develop their interpersonal skills, network, and connection with other like-minded youths.
A total of 25 youths from the 2022 cohort along with 29 from this year were officially inducted into the 2023 cohort. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud in her remarks expressed that the programme is very close to her heart.
According to Persaud, she wanted to provide a platform with a difference where the Ministry not only provided the space for their voices but space for their creativity, ideas, and innovation and to give youths the framework to understand the inner workings of the Ministry.
During the ceremony, special awards were given to the most outstanding youths: the most inspirational award was given to Jerry Collins, the most creative and most innovative award was presented to Rishti Gopal, the most congenial and most proactive to Amrita Naraine, the most vocal to Tatiana Norton, the most influential to Corissa McClure and the Jaguar Award was presented to Terriann Wright.
The Jaguar Award is the highest award in the programme given to the Young Influencer that exhibits well-rounded skills being reliable, creative, proactive, vocal, inspiring, and a natural leader.
Additionally, the 2023-2024 cohort was also pinned at the ceremony. These include Alica Anita Adams, Angelita Chattergoon, Anuradha Gunpat, Attiya Griffith, Chelisa Ramlochan, Christina Persaud, Crystal Charles, Daniel McAlmont, Daniela Araujo, Delroy Marks, Donlee Castello, Haresh Nandall, Kimora Payne, Meshack Anthony Howard, Michael Richmond, Mya Herod, Parwadie Kistama, Renika Anand, Serenity Roberts, Shivanie Lea Dinnanauth, Steffi Alexina Sinclair, Stephanie Jacinta Thelma Simon, Tabitha Alves, Trafiona Peters, Tryanna Anderson, Vidya Changa, Xaria Holder, Yanacia Easton, and Younica Sanchara.
Selected young influencers are offered opportunities for development through engaging in community projects, activities, and forums nationwide and on the international level.
2022 Young Influencer Nandita Singh shared on social media that not only was she able to learn about the work the Human Services Ministry does but also actively contribute to their initiatives.
“I was able to be part of various events and causes, including visiting children’s homes, being a part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and [participating in] Guyana’s largest women expo – We Lift,” Singh said, adding that throughout her year, she also interacted with new faces countrywide.
“The experience has been a wonderful one and I greatly encourage anyone who is interested to take up the opportunity,” Singh said.
Also, part of the 2022 Young Influencers cohort, Terriann Wright said within her year-long stint with the Ministry, she represented her youth group at the Youth Parliament and worked alongside Minister Persaud to launch several campaigns and participate in activities hosted by the Ministry.