Human Services Min seeking new cohort of “young influencers”

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has opened applications for their “Young Influencers” programme to youths eager to participate in community building activities and encourage positive change in the country.
Twenty-five young, diverse men and women between the ages of 15 and 25 from across the country can apply to work with the Ministry to tackle social ills youths face within society and become a voice for young people in Guyana.
Spearheaded by Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, this programme also provides education and training pathways for career development and integrates public engagements, communication and outreaches promoting young people’s competencies and skills.
Selected young influencers are offered opportunities for development through engaging 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.
“If you’re interested in being a voice for the voiceless, you should apply for this as a chance to contribute to international efforts and help others nationally,” Wright said, in a social media post.
In May, three young influencers–Amrita Naraine, Delisa Quintyn and Raquel Meenkum– had the chance to travel to Brussels, Belgium for the European External Action Service’s (EEAS) youth campaign #OurVoiceOurFuture engagements.
Recognising that the youth are the future leaders and policymakers, this campaign invited young people globally to be part of the conversation as it relates to human rights and freedoms.
Naraine, who previously spoke to Guyana Times while she was in Belgium, had said this event closely related to the work she was doing as a young influencer.
“Being a part of the campaign aligns very well with the mission of the Young Influencers in Guyana which is sharing, connecting, influencing and empowering,” Naraine said. “[This opportunity] ensures that I can exact what that slogan reads and I can make a sizable impact, not only in Guyana but on a wider level, to contribute to globalisation.”
To be considered eligible for the 2023 Young Influencers programme, applicants must be between 15 and 25 years old, Guyanese, of good character, have a sense for community development and able to dedicate at least 12 hours monthly towards working with the Young Influencers project.
Applicants will also be required to describe the charitable/activism work they’ve previously done and showcase their skills by producing a 30-second promotional video on one of the Ministry’s pre-existing programmes.
The deadline for applications is set for June 15.