By Nakasia Logan
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport has breathed new life into the bronze expedition leg of the President’s Youth Award Guyana (PYARG) programme.
Over the weekend, 159 youths embarked on a challenging 17-mile trek from Yarrowkabra to KuruKuru Training Centre.
This expedition serves as a significant milestone in personal growth and camaraderie.
However, to complete the Bronze Leg of the programme, participants must undergo a six-month journey involving skills training, physical activities, community service, and group exchanges.
The Bronze Level marks the beginning of a three-part series, which includes silver and gold, each requiring more extensive expeditions and hours dedicated to service, skills development, and physical activities.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Junior, highlighted the evolution of the programme over the years.
He emphasized the programme’s role in providing exposure to expeditions, life training skills, coaching, and team-building activities.
“We relaunched it in 2022 and expanded in 2023. We have over 4000 young people engaged in this programme,” stated Minister Ramson.
He emphasized a focused and innovative approach in 2024 to garner youth interest and participation, enabling their personal development.
This year, there will be a heightened emphasis on community-based training initiatives, aimed at actively involving young individuals.
Minister Ramson stressed the importance of these initiatives in opening avenues for personal development and engaging talented young individuals productively.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award, originally initiated as the President Youth Award of the Republic of Guyana under the leadership of Minister Gail Texiera in 1998, remains a cornerstone of youth empowerment.
It continues to provide invaluable opportunities for the growth and development of young people.
In conclusion, the relaunch of the bronze expedition leg of the PYARG programme signifies a renewed commitment to youth development and empowerment.