Source: Stabroek News , 26th September, 2007


Nineteen youths were recently honoured by culture and youth minister Dr Frank Anthony and Director at the Common-wealth Youth Programme (CYP) Henry Charles, on their graduation from the Commonwealth Youth for Positive Living (CYPL) programme.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the CYPL programme addresses young people and HIV/AIDS. The CYP Caribbean Centre operates through the University of Guyana and the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies offering a diploma in youth work.

The graduates comprised the second and third batches of the programme. About 42 students are currently enrolled in the programme.

The CYP aims to professionalize youth work in Guyana and it has made it possible for youths to contribute to the quality of youth programmes. Anthony urged the CYP to continue its collaboration with regional universities to strengthen the programme, and encouraged it to become more active in mobilising resources to fund youth work. As regard the CYPL the minister said he was heartened that more youths will be informed and empowered about HIV/AIDS and it will help to bring about behaviour change. "This struggle is a long and difficult one because it has to change perceptions, misconceptions and use acquired knowledge to change entrenched behaviour," Anthony said.

He also said that he is confident that the new graduates will provide the necessary resources to work with youths and address the urgent need for behaviour change. "This is not an easy task; it would require lots of dedication and hard work on your part but in the end, the gratification will come from knowing that you have saved the lives of many young people, preventing new HIV infections among our young people," the minister told the graduates.

The ceremony was held on Thursday at Hotel Tower.