UG students assist Buxton youths to improve literacy
University of Guyana (UG) students who are each pursuing a degree in social work have partnered with the Buxton Youth Developers community group on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to improve the literacy skills of the youths of the latter-named group.
Some of the students who were assisted by UG students
This undertaking is part of the UG students’ final year project, and the initiative entailed creating for the Buxton children a library space where they would be exposed to important books and publications.
Enough books were accumulated after a successful book drive to create a well-stocked learning centre, where the Buxton children could access information on elements of writing, vocabulary, and other aspects of the English language.
These children also received guidance via discussion on a number of social issues that each have a negative impact. Some were even trained in ways to earn money by utilising craft skills to make floral arrangements.
Children within the group and around the community were engaged by the social work students in a community practice programme designed to improve their knowledge of life management and literacy.
“Knowledge and skills acquired through the session included talks on conflict resolution, self-esteem, hygiene, and also craft skills were taught,” the UG students related.
The entire undertaking was successfully completed through a joint effort, and the UG students indicated that the non-profit organization has played an important role in this respect.
The Buxton Youth Developers, established since 2007, has been diligently catering to the needs of the community by holding classes for school dropouts between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. This organisation is presently spearheaded by an administrator, who has four teachers assisting children from the community by providing afternoon lessons.
In recent times, there has been an alarming number of school dropouts in this community.
