Guyanese youths, US military cadets team up for community service

Last Updated on Monday, 4 August 2014, 21:03 by GxMedia

YAN members and US military cadets in the hydroponic greenhouse (US Embassy photo)

GEORGETOWN – The U.S Embassy in Guyana said its Youth Action Network (YAN) teamed up with visiting U.S. military cadets to take part in a major community service project on August 2, under the theme: “Ready to Serve, Ready to Lead.” 

A total of 79 volunteers completed a beautification project at a shelter for victims of domestic abuse run by the non-governmental organization Help and Shelter. The YAN members joined together with U.S. military cadets from the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program (CULP), the Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers, Embassy staff and shelter volunteers to carry out painting, gardening, and other maintenance work. 

The beautification project included painting the living quarters for the residents and manager of the shelter and painting a section of the compound walls.  Over the next month, shelter volunteers will accentuate the walls with murals depicting positive, inspirational messages for the residents. Volunteers also weeded the compound, cleared trash and debris, planted trees, and assisted in the hydroponic greenhouse.

This service project reaffirms the U.S. government’s commitment to working with non-governmental organizations, the Government of Guyana, and its citizens to end the scourge of domestic abuse.  The U.S. Embassy applauds the board of directors of Help and Shelter in their work towards the elimination of all types of violence, especially domestic and sexual violence, and child abuse.

Established in July 2013, under the theme “Ready to Serve, Ready to Lead,” the Embassy’s Youth Action Network gives motivated youths an opportunity to participate in networking and training activities to enhance their leadership skills and professionalism, as well as to promote their involvement in volunteerism.