Over 50 youths, including Haitian migrants, launch ‘The Guyana We Need’ campaign

– hope to reimagine environmental future

More than 50 participants, including 10 Haitian migrant children, are part of the newly launched Guyana We Need campaign – a youth-driven movement aiming to reshape the nation’s environmental and social future.
More than just a one-day event, The Guyana We Need is a long-term movement grounded in civic responsibility, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership. It seeks to shift mindsets, spark advocacy, and engage communities across Guyana – especially young people – in building a more just, inclusive, and environmentally conscious nation.

The campaign was launched through a vibrant and creative youth-led event hosted at Marian Academy that celebrated the power of young people to reimagine and transform the country’s environmental future.
The bold campaign is the result of a collaborative effort between Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) and Marian Academy’s Sixth Form Department, marking a significant step forward for youth leadership in national environmental advocacy.
The campaign took root through a series of social teachings classes at Marian Academy, facilitated by Mike McCormack and Benita Davis. These weekly sessions challenged students to reflect critically on the environmental and social issues facing Guyana – from waste pollution and climate change to social inequality and health – and to develop creative, youth-centred solutions.
At the core of the campaign are seven visionary goals: a climate- and environmentally resilient Guyana, a financially secure Guyana, a Guyana of cohesive communities, a Guyana of vibrant culture and languages, a fairer Guyana, a healthier Guyana, and a globally responsible Guyana.
The launch event brought these goals to life through educational games, interactive presentations, and a “Sip & Create” session where participants transformed plain T-shirts into bold statements using the hashtag #TheGuyanaWeNeed.
Two of Marian Academy’s Sixth Form students, Ajala Maharaj and Aurelia Ibrahim, played key leadership roles in the success of the launch. Ajala coordinated presentations and worked closely with facilitators to ensure smooth transitions, while Aurelia managed logistics, engaged participants, and helped deliver the campaign’s message to the audience.
“We want to help shape the Guyana we inherit,” said Ajala Maharaj. “This campaign is our chance to say what kind of country we want to live in – and do something about it.”
“This isn’t just a school project,” added Aurelia Ibrahim. “We’re building a movement where every young person can feel empowered to speak up and take action.”
Adding a vibrant and emotional visual element to the event was a stunning art display by the Artísticas Mentes group from St Winefride’s Secondary School. Local youth-owned businesses, such as Crocheted Dream and Arrosa Cutters and Pieces, were also showcased – proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
This campaign would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors committed to youth empowerment and national transformation.
Among the sponsors were Amazon Limitless, Hand in Hand, Mings Products & Services, Recover Guyana, SAKS Guyana Inc., JARS Zero Waste, Petama Enterprise, Health Depot Pharmacy, and Darthan Investments.
“We’re really grateful to everyone who supported this idea and helped bring it to life,” said Ajala Maharaj.