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December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
Twenty-one individuals have been certified as “trainers of trainers” after completing the Foundations Programme, a key initiative aimed at tackling youth violence across Guyana.
The graduates received their certificates at a ceremony held at the Cornhill Street office on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, congratulated the participants for their commitment to addressing one of society’s most pressing issues—violence among young people.
The Foundations Programme, run by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, targets youth between the ages of 13 and 25, a demographic statistically shown to be more vulnerable to both engaging in and being affected by violent behaviour. Dr. Persaud said the programme was first piloted in Region Six and involved collaboration between teachers, healthcare professionals, and youth workers.
The minister emphasised the need for greater empathy and intervention in communities, especially in an era where violent acts are often recorded and shared online instead of being stopped.
“You see children beating each other, and what I really dislike is that so many people just record it. We need to build a more caring society—one where people intervene, stop it, or get help,” the minister urged.
Through the Foundations Programme, participants learn to identify triggers of aggression, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and mentor young people toward more constructive choices. The newly trained cohort will now train staff from various departments, including the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), helping to strengthen the nationwide response to youth violence.
Dr. Persaud said the programme is part of a larger effort to nurture a culture of compassion, responsibility, and respect among Guyana’s youth. With its expansion to other ministries and agencies, the initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping safer communities and empowering young people to choose peace over conflict.
