PS Ninvalle pledge support for Sophia Youth Group

Feb 09, 2009 Sports

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Steve Ninvalle, has pledged his support behind the efforts being made at the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Ninvalle informed that he was approached by members of the organisation and he was heartened by what they were attempting to do for the youths in that area.

He requested from the delegation that contacted him, areas in which he could help.

The PS agreed to visit the area and have a first hand look at the activities, but this has been pushed back until Sunday coming after being initially set for two other occasions including yesterday.

Based on the information he received, Ninvalle is pleased with the efforts in Sophia to help the youths there and has already procured a quantity of sports gear which will be handed over shortly.

Following his upcoming meeting he has pledged to give any support necessary to see long term success among the youths there.

Already several persons have been giving a variety of support to the youth group as they share the vision of a positive impact and outcome of the lives of the young people in that community.

Kaieteur Sport took the opportunity to contact an instrumental figure in the formation of that group, Mrs. Doris Shelto-McLennon, yesterday and she gave us some insight on their formation and activities.

Mrs. McLennon informed that the group came about after members of the Mothers Action Group on Social Issues, of which she is the President, brought along their children to meetings.

She noted that after observing the large amount of youths she shared the idea of having them constructively involved hence the formation.

Currently there are almost 90 youths from the area involved in the group’s activities and they meet at a vacant house belonging to her sister, who is overseas, located at Lot 952 Pattensen, Turkeyen Housing Scheme (‘B’ Field Sophia).

Mrs. McLennon further informed that the Sparkle Youth Group is headed by one of her sons, Matthew, who is the Chairman, while two other sons, Peter (organising officer) and Damien (Treasurer) are fully involved.

She was high in praise for the contributions of several persons including Justice Desmond Burch-Smith, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin.

She disclosed that Justice Bruch-Smith spends time every weekend helping youths with education aspects along with pep talks on the hazards surrounding crime and other social ills. Mr Corbin has been providing educational material, while Minister Persaud has been extremely supportive in their agriculture drive.

Mrs. McLennon informed that the group has education, agriculture and sports as its main activities to keep the young people involved and not with too much idle time.

The mothers group boasts approximately 135 members and while they are allowing the youths to function among themselves, they are watching and offering advice.

She was grateful for all who have been assisting and hope that many individuals and business entities lend their support. The Sparkle Youth Group is set for a March 12 official launching.