U.S establishes Youth Action Network in Guyana

The United States administration is trying to get a better understanding of issues of concerns to Guyanese youth and intends to play a role in assisting them accomplish many of their goals.

Over the weekend, the U.S Embassy’s Public Affairs Section established a Youth Action Network (YAN) in Guyana. The new group has brought together approximately 50 young Guyanese leaders from around the country.

According to the Embassy, “the Youth Action Network was officially launched July 20 through its first event – a Conference on Service and Leadership under the theme: “Ready to Serve, Ready to Lead.” “

“This is the first of many opportunities for Guyanese Youth Action Network Members to participate in networking and training to enhance their leadership skills, professionalism, and implementation of community service and development activities. The Network also serves to facilitate the Embassy’s interaction with young Guyanese leaders, so Embassy officers can better understand the unique perspective of Guyana’s young people and discuss ways to address the needs and challenges they face”, an Embassy statement revealed.

The conference which was held over the weekend, offered sessions for youth leaders on public speaking, organization and life skills, creativity, community resource mapping, and project management. This coming weekend, the group will meet for a day of service, where members will team up with visiting U.S. military cadets to take part in community service activities in Linden.

The embassy said the “youths selected to participate in the Youth Action Network are exceptionally motivated, and many of them have already demonstrated their passion to give back to society through distinct youth outreach activities.”

Some of the organizations represented at the Youth Action Network Conference include the Embassy’s Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP), Youths for Guyana, and the One World Youth Project.

(FILED 22 July, 2013)