USAID/Guyana SKYE Project Holds Employment Sector Advisory Group Meeting and Labor Market Assessment Stakeholder Seminar

September 13, 2012

Georgetown, Guyana – Twelve students and two mentors representing several regions of Guyana have embarked on a three week exchange program to the United States, known as the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP). The YAP group arrived in Washington, D.C. today and will travel to various parts of the United States before the program concludes on September 25, 2012. This is the first time the regional program has hosted Youth Ambassadors representing Guyana.

On August 28, 2012, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i, Thomas Pierce met with the twelve Youth Ambassadors and two YAP mentors to congratulate them on their selection and to discuss their visit. The youths spoke about their backgrounds in Guyana, their expectations of the program. They also described how they hope to continue to develop their leadership skills and civic participation upon their return to Guyana. Chargé Pierce gave the students a preview of what to expect during their visit and emphasized the significance of their participation in this cultural exchange program.

The Youth Ambassadors Program will serve to give students and adult leaders an opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills that enable them to act as leaders in their communities. The project aims to hone participants' sense of civic responsibility and foster civic activism. Through experiential activities, discussions, site visits, training modules, and home stays, participants will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, intellectual skills, and practical competencies to effectively lead efforts for positive social change. 

While in the United States, participants will increase their understanding of American institutions while engaging in civic life in the United States. Participants will explore facets unique to each country's history and identity, and engage in discussion and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level. The YAP will show participants how they can become more engaged in their schools and communities, and develop leadership skills that enable them to do so. Participants will be required to implement follow-on activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other and reflect on their experiences and integrate that learning into their day-to-day lives at home.  An important goal of the program is that the student leaders, now empowered, will train other student leaders through student led community oriented service projects.