Some 50 youths residing in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), are set to gain essential skills necessary for their development through the Men on Mission (MoM) second Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Programme.
Children, aged five and older, will benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes exciting after-school activities. These exercises encompass academic assistance, counselling, and motivation sessions.
During the launch of the programme on Wednesday, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat spoke of the programme’s benefits while also addressing the social ills that the programme intended to target.
“There are many other delinquent and negative social ills in our society that this programme aims to address, and it starts with the young people.”
He added that youth empowerment means that they would gain knowledge, tools, resources and confidence for them to become professionals and to lead successful lives.
Scores of children were present at the launch of the programme
“You need a sound education; you need to acquire a skillset, that is why this programme is so important,” he stated.
Igniting a flame of purpose within the youths present at the event, Bharrat emphasised the importance of attaining skills and education.
“It is important that you acquire an education or a skillset, and we have programmes like the one we are launching here today to acquire that skillset. Education and skillset are the only true, honest, and sure ways of coming out of poverty and leading a good life,” he highlighted.
Meanwhile, Coordinator of the MoM initiative, Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli noted that this programme would be rolled out in other regions. “This same initiative is scheduled to launch in Region Six and Region Five respectively. This is but another important step in the realisation of the Men on Mission mentorship programme.”
Scores of children were present at the launch of the programme
Lending his perspective to the core meaning of the initiative, he explained the significance of the tools that the students will gain.
“At the core of the Men on Mission initiative is the belief that mentorship is a powerful tool for positive change and youth empowerment.”
Dorm Mother of St Ignatius Secondary School Dormitory, Betsy Michael expressed that this initiative was crucial for the dormitory as it would assist the males of her class.
“A lot of my students, especially the boys, you can see that they are way behind. As the Minister said, they are dropping out of school, they are not interested in school, so we want the men to climb back up. I am very happy about it,” Michael stated.
MoM’s mentorship programme aims to shape future generations and leaders for the nation’s development and prosperity while addressing pressing societal ills.
A similar programme is being implemented in Georgetown, targeting 36 youths. (G2)
