Shaping the next generation

Jan 17, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Once again, I would like to commend your publication for its consistency in highlighting and making the case for urgent interventions to be found in order to arrest and reverse the dire circumstances facing the youth of this nation. I deeply share this concern and have a similar passion to see a cohesive national response to this most pressing priority. Nearly 20 years ago, as a youth myself, I started working with the youths in my community of Plaisance. I took the initiative by organizing after school clubs, street basketball competitions across communities, after school tutoring and homework helper, provision of scholarships, and I even got involved in the PTA (when I wasn’t even a parent). For a period of time I also led the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association. All of this was done outside of the other efforts my church was making in the community.
Today, my job as a teacher at Marian Academy, the work we are doing through Youth Basketball Guyana and the National School Basketball Festival, as well as being chairman of the Church of God body, continues to provide me with a front line position in this major crisis and the opportunity to make a difference.
So, I want to personally thank all of the NGO’s, churches, agencies, clubs, youth workers and individuals who have been working overtime, under very difficult circumstances, to try and curb this problem through their counsel, guidance, investments, support and love toward our young people. I exhort all the helpers and stewards to please don’t give up; I understand the challenges, frustration, loss and cost, but we also know the joy of seeing those who pull through and doing well. That is an immeasurable blessing.
It is why I say to one and all: Be of good courage, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. In my own experiences, I find that mentorship has proven to be the biggest factor between success and failure. Those who pull through often do so because of good mentors in their lives; individuals who have been intentional, long suffering, patient and full of unconditional love.
I would like to see, if not recommend that more intentional efforts be concentrated in this vital area. I would also like to challenge others to step forward and volunteer as mentors, take it on yourself to mentor a youth and get involved in your community, in your school, in your church, in your family. It makes a big difference.
I have developed a habit over the years of reaching out- initiating contact with young people, taking an interest in how they are doing, and in seeing that they do well; constantly looking for opportunities to encourage and add perspective to difficult questions and situations. This is a good place to start. I pray that we will not relent in, but take hold of our responsibility to train, enlighten, inspire, and shape the next generation. They need us, and we need them!
Rev. Chris Bowman

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