USAID Launches Youth Resilience, Inclusion, and Empowerment Initiative to Foster Safer and Stronger Societies

In a significant stride towards promoting youth resilience, inclusion, and empowerment, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officially launched the Youth Resilience, Inclusion, and Empowerment (Y-RIE) program in Guyana. The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel and marked a significant milestone in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). The USAID Y-RIE program aims to address the unique challenges faced by young people in Guyana, empowering them to build safer and more resilient societies. Through a multi-faceted approach, the program seeks to create opportunities for youth engagement, foster inclusion, and provide necessary resources and support systems. The launch event witnessed the participation of prominent government officials, representatives from international organizations, youth leaders, and other stakeholders invested in the development and security of the region. During the ceremony, Ms. Phelps Feeley, Chief of Party, Y-RIE Program highlighted the significance of youth resilience, inclusion, and empowerment in fostering sustainable development and countering security challenges. She emphasized the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and international partners to create an enabling environment for youth to thrive and actively contribute to the growth of their communities. Ms. Adrienne Galanek, Deputy Chief of Mission, USA Embassy, expressed her excitement about the Y-RIE program's potential, reiterating that the USAID Y-RIE program will provide youth with the tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and actively participate in building a safer and more prosperous society. Minister Vindhya Persaud expressed her satisfaction towards the program that aligns with existing national and strategic initiatives, especially that of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. She emphasized the government's dedication to developing comprehensive programs and strong legislation to safeguard young people, while also providing ample opportunities and support to effectively combat violence and crime. Among the keynote speeches, were Mr. Isaiah Woodroffe, who shared his sentiments on the potential of Y-RIE in supporting the youth, upon the delivery of his success story as a once at-risk youth. The Y-RIE program will focus on several key areas, including education and skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, leadership and civic engagement, and mental health and psychosocial support. By addressing these pillars comprehensively, the program aims to equip young Guyanese with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and become agents of positive change. To ensure the effective implementation of the Y-RIE program, USAID will collaborate closely with local partners, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations. This collaborative approach, occurring among a total of four Caribbean nations in a 5-year period, will help tailor interventions to the specific needs and aspirations of Guyanese youth, ensuring their active participation and ownership of the program. The launch of the Y-RIE program in Guyana marks an important step forward in the CBSI, a regional security partnership that aims to enhance citizen security, prevent crime and violence, and promote social justice and the rule of law. The Y-RIE program aligns with the CBSI's overarching goals by empowering young people, who are often disproportionately affected by security challenges, to play a key role in shaping a safer and more secure future for their communities. As the USAID Y-RIE program embarks on this transformative journey, it holds the promise of creating a generation of resilient, inclusive, and empowered youth in Guyana. Through targeted interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the program will contribute to the social, economic, and political development of the country, paving the way for a brighter future for all Guyanese.

Source(Amrita Naraine, Lead Researcher and Writer - ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. )

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31 May 2023 17:00 | by anaraine

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