UNDP signs project with Local Government
As the United Nations Development Program continues to foster stronger relationships with the government of Guyana, another agreement was signed for works to begin on a Youth Empowerment Inclusion and Reconciliation Project.
The project is expected to commence on the conclusion of the Enhanced Public Trust Security and Inclusion programme which was implemented by the Local Government Ministry. The newly signed project will cost US$150,000.
The Project Unit will be located at the Ministry’s Kingston Office, and a project coordinator with staff will provide assistance. Added support and guidance will be given by the Ministries of Finance and Culture, Youth and Sport.
United Nations Development Program Country Representative Ms. Khadija Musa said the project also aims to increase youth participation in development programmes, and to provide feedback for both youth and policy makers to resolve issues at the local level.
She said that observing that youth make up more than 60 percent of the nation’s population; it was the opportune time to begin the programme, since youths are increasingly at risk of being exposed to crime and violence due to unemployment. Musa told the media that this is combined with the fact that today’s generation is facing increasing challenges related to changing times.
It was explained that the objective of the project was to identify and develop the capacity of potential youth leaders at the community level and develop their skills to participate in government both locally and nationally.
It was noted that 30 youths will be a part of the project and will be selected by the UNDP, Ministry of Local Government, and the RDCs of Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. The selected youths will be exposed to training of the potential youth leaders in areas such as social media and ICT; and placing them in internship programmes with the relevant institutions within their local government structure. Musa said that the UNDP hopes that participants will use the skills acquired to further develop their communities.
Meanwhile Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud said that the project is among many others aimed at enhancing the development of human resources across the regions.
Persaud told the media that the target is for capacity building for the development of Guyana’s young people, he expressed the hope that their empowerment would provide a multiplier effect which would encourage many others to benefit from the project.
He said that government expects that the objectives of the project will bring a higher degree of efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of works at the community level. The aim of the project is to address the challenges of inadequate youth participation in Government and the persistent social changes that deprive them of fulfilling their right. It is also expected to provide youth with the opportunity to prepare for leadership roles in their community.