Dear Prospective Donor:

We are writing to obtain support for a youth athletics program in the Guyanese countryside. We hope to increase awareness of lifestyle choices that provide positive alternatives for youths. Program participants will receive academic support as well as the social benefits of participating in team sports.

The Need

Local reports indicate that social conditions are dire in Guyana (http://www.stabroeknews.com/20...4/migration-berbice/). There are limited resources, infrastructure, and employment. The community is largely impacted by high crime and increasing unemployment. Recently, the Bureau of Statistics reported that in the last three years crimes have almost doubled; increasing from 2861 to 5667 reports from 2010 to 2013. In recent years Guyana has been negatively affected by the influences of increasing criminal activity, which has caused many children to suffer post-traumatic stress. The current unsafe environment has caused a decline in education where children have gradually lost their ability to focus on their schoolwork.

This project will affect Guyanese youth currently living in Region 4; specifically, the countryside towns and villages of Paradise, Bachelor’s Adventure and Melanie Damishana. Over 300,000 people live in Paradise (http://www.citypopulation.de/Guyana.html). The 2006 Bureau of Statistics report indicates that about 10.7% unemployed (http://www.statisticsguyana.go.../pubs.html#statsbull). These areas are farming and fishing communities with unreliable electrical power and technologies. There is inadequate infrastructure evidenced by frequent flooding, poor roads, and ineffective transportation networks.

The villages are self-sustaining and able to address local needs such as minor medical care, education, and religion. However, for specialized needs residence may need to travel more than four hours to the city. In 2006, the secondary school enrollment rate was 69.4% and only 67% transition to secondary school from primary school. Only 69% of enrolled secondary students are males (http://www.statisticsguyana.go.../pubs.html#statsbull).

The Program

Parbamel, Inc. and the Paradise Sports Club have collaborated over the years to engage youths in team sports. The Paradise Sports Club has been a community-based organization that helps to channel youths into sports and encourage healthy lifestyles. We define a healthy lifestyle as one that includes both physical and mental health fostered by physical activity, healthy diet, preventative medical care, positive self-esteem, and identity, which include body image and social group membership. The Club has been able to keep young people away from criminal activities by promoting students’ academic advancement, providing after school lessons and homework help.

Currently, the athletics program serves ages 9 through18. All individuals in the program come from families identified as poor or low income. All participants are Afro-Guyanese--individuals of African decent. All program participants are male and most (48 percent) are between 13 and 15 years old. Thirty percent of the participants are between 16 and 19, while 22 percent are between 10 and 12 years old.

There is a need to develop a sustained athletic program for young girls. This fundraising campaign seeks support to increase participation of young girls in Sports Club events. Your tax-deductible contribution will help the organization purchase uniforms, equipment, and other resources for sports such as track and field, field hockey, soccer, and tennis.

Thank you for your support!