Georgetown: Global Youth Movement – Guyana; a non-profit registered youth organisation today Wednesday 21st donated over $500,000 worth of agriculture tools and equipment to seven secondary schools in Region 5 at the launch of a $23 Million dollar Community Health, Environment and Recycling Project that will be implemented in the region over the next year. Global Youth Movement – Guyana is the lone youth organisation thus far that has received funding from the Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme which began last year.
Present at the simple ceremony was Regional Chairman – Mr. Bindraban Bisnauth, Regional Education Officer (ag.) – Ms. Annesta Douglas, EPA/Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment representative Ms. Asma Sharief, Executive Director of Global Youth Movement – Guyana- Mr. Mark Ross, head teachers, teachers and students of schools and other officials.
In providing an overview of the project Mr. Ross explained that the project addresses the issues of; improper disposal of PET plastics and burning of solid waste, improper use, storage and management of chemicals, continued use of mercury in mining and jewelry production and the absence of skills and trained personnel in these areas in the region.
The project will target schools and communities with a comprehensive public education campaign while implementing programs to reduce, reuse and recycle PET plastics and other types of solid waste, preventing the burning of some type of waste, as well as providing training and other types of public engagement.
In brief remarks the Regional Chairman commended the organisation and offered his administration’s support to the project in whatever way possible. He welcomed the project and offered and assured the organisation of a fruitful public private partnership. He highlighted that his administration sees the public education activities as very important and commended the organisation on this. He alluded to the fact that the regional administration had started this exercise but because of lack of funding it was ceased. He appealed to those present to be start being watch dogs of their environment and stated his unhappiness with the present state of the region where garbage is concerned.
Ms. Asma Sharief praised the efforts of the groups and provided the audience with an analysis of how the project contributes to both the mandates of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment as well as the Environment Protection Agency. She lauded the group for its comprehensive approach to addressing and dealing with environment issues. She further highlighted the fact that solid waste is a major issue in Guyana and made reference to the news laws that will seek to curb littering.
Following the launch, the Executive Director of Global Youth Movement – Guyana handed over the equipment to the Regional Education Officer for distribution to the seven schools.
Ms. Zanah George – Head Teacher of Bush Lot Secondary School responded to the handing over by thanking the organisation for the timely donation and promised to use, care and manage the tools. She assured that in the coming weeks the gardens at her school and those of the others should be thriving now that they are equipped. She appealed to the Regional administration for assistant to fence the gardens so that the produce can be protected.
Global Youth Movement – Guyana has been in existence for three years and works with young people in various communities across the country. To gather more information about the project or to join the efforts by becoming volunteers’ persons may call 621-2768 or 694-8004.
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