Georgetown : Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry explained that over the last two decades, the potential of youths has been stifled. However, the minister noted that there are measures in the 2016 budget that speak directly to youth development.
“The measures in this budget are only the first steps aimed at creating an environment to ensure the aforesaid is realised to ultimately create politically, economically and socially empowered young people,” said Minister Henry.
During her budget debate presentation, the Ministry refuted the opposition’s claim that Budget 2016 does not contain measures for youth advancement. She informed that the government has a clear vision for youths, and outlined some of the interventions to propel their development.
The Minister noted that the youths are ‘our future and that government will prepare them in the best way possible’ so that they can meaningfully contribute to Guyana’s development. Hence, Minister Henry pointed out that $60M has been proposed in the 2016 budget for the rehabilitation of the Coldingen workshop while $30M is proposed to improve the training facilities at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre.
Minister Henry stated, “This signals the government’s intention to provide a conducive and comfortable environment for our young people to gain skills which can lead to their empowerment.”
In addition, the Minister pointed out that government’s interest in youths can also be seen in the allocation of resources to further improve the Madewini Youth camp.
These measures are the conclusion of the youth policy which was completed under consultations with a number of youth groups. Minister Henry also spoke of the youth empowerment action plan for which consultations are currently underway.
In addition, the Minister made note of the provisions in the national budget for early childhood education which will see a pilot project that will ensure that children begin the education process on the right path.
In relation to sporting activities for youths, the sum of $154M has been allocated for the Ground Enhancement Programme.
“This government will implement a strategic, phased approach to ensure all grounds funded under this initiative meet the minimum standard of a functional community ground,” Minister Henry explained.
She said she had reviewed the programme and it will now see youths from all across Guyana reaping the benefits of the project.
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