ASPIRE Guyana identifies seven for exceptional contributions

Dec 24, 2018 News

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ASPIRE (Advocates for Safe Parenting, Improving Reproductive Equity is a regional youth network that focuses on the empowerment of youth in the Caribbean, especially as it relates to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. ASPIRE Guyana, every year, accepts nominations for their Youth Recognition Project, and has recognised seven persons this week, who have made exceptional accomplishments and/or contributions to society.

Amanda Gray

“My name is Amanda Gray and I’m a 29-year-old Medical Doctor from Manchester Village, Corentyne Berbice. I am very enthusiastic about health, in general. However, I have taken a keen interest in women’s health, taking in consideration the amount of health problems that are associated with women daily.”
“At present I volunteer with the Ministry of Public Health: Adolescent Department as a Peer Educator. In 2017 I was voted as the Assistant Regional Representative for the Georgetown Branch of Peer Educators, because of my passion for women’s health I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.”
“As a peer educator, I focus on sexual reproductive health, family planning, drugs and alcohol and not forgetting teenage pregnancy since Guyana ranks the second highest in Latin America and the Caribbean. With this in mind, we do not only target the youths in Georgetown, but we travel to different parts of the country educating adolescent and adults. We hold sessions in schools, churches, the mall, out reaches, television and assist where ever our presence is needed.”
“For 2018, even though my responsibilities have increased, having to balance between work, academics, social life and physical health, didn’t stop me from fulfilling my peer health educator duties. 2018 was very challenging for me. However, as a Peer Educator in Adolescent Department, I have seen great success and improvement among the adolescent and adults that have been part of our program, and I would encourage all adolescent and adults male and females in Guyana, to come on board of our program and let’s make a change for a better and healthier Guyana.

Rovindra Lakenarine

Rovindra Lakenarine is from the small farming community of Golden Fleece on the Essequibo Coast. He is a recent graduate of the University of Guyana with a BSc. Biology (Distinction). He is the 2018 recipient of the University of Guyana Student Society Award (2018) for making significant contributions to the University of Guyana in areas other than academics. After graduating he was retained by the Department of Biology at the University of Guyana where he currently works as a tutor. Rovindra is also a founding member and former president of the University of Guyana Biology club. He is a very humble and friendly young man that is always ready to lend a helping hand whenever called upon. His family is his greatest motivators and he owes all he has achieved thus far to them for their continual love and support. Rovindra intends to pursue postgraduate studies in the areas of climate change biology. He wishes to become an advocate for youths in the fight against climate change.
Lakenarine boasts the following accomplishments:
– President of the University of Guyana Biology Club.
– Organized the first Earth Hour event on the University of Guyana campus
– Woman and girls in science seminar at the University of Guyana
– Charity drive at the Mahaica Children’s Home
– Clean up and tree planting of the Biodiversity center
– Representative on the UNESCO/UN “Youths on the frontline of climate change” webinar
– Facilitated collaborations and participated in events hosted by WWF Guiana’s, CYEN, GYEN and other clubs across the University of Guyana to foster relationships with other volunteer groups.
In 2018, he developed vital leadership skills and facilitated his advocacy for extra-curricular activities for students at the University of Guyana while fostering awareness on environmental and biodiversity protection through the Biology club.

Divya Doerga

“I attended School of The Nations from which I graduated this year; getting the “Best in Business Award,” as well as being one of the recipients of the service award due to being involved in several fund raising activities in aid of the ongoing Tiger Bay project. I am currently continuing my studies in Business, Economics and Sociology at Nations Sixth Form College and I’m also on the path of pursuing a degree in Business Management via the Association of Business Executives programme that Nations offers. I am also a certified John Maxwell Coach, Trainer and Speaker.”
“I decided to study business because I always found the principles behind it interesting; for example in our country, I see many people run businesses based on instinct and make rash decisions about their business because they feel that it’s the best thing to do at the moment, when really, there’s a principle behind every situation in the operations of a business, as long as you know those principles then that decision making process becomes more logical and easier; which makes that business more efficient. I was born into a home of which both my parents were in business, they still are and have been doing it for the past 20 years; so not only have I been studying in the field, but I gained a lot of practical experience from a very tender age which I know will be very helpful for my future.”
“I think young people are willing to be involved in business as long as they know the WHY. Sometimes factors may prevent them from doing this such as lack of support, knowledge and experience but I do believe that as long as they are determined about it and surround themselves with the right people, then anything is possible; as Howard Schultz said: “When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.”
“I am currently involved with ActionCOACH Guyana, learning all the systems, as a goal of mine is to be the youngest Business Coach in the world in 2019. This experience is amazing as you get to see how many businesses are being turned around for the better and how happy business owners are with the results.”
“The year 2018 has been one of the greatest years for me as I graduated from high school, became a John Maxwell team member and started my new academic journey continuing my studies. Business wise, I continue to learn in order to never stop growing. However, this is only the start of my journey as a young adult and I do aspire to make great changes that will bring about extreme positive impacts in this society.”

Carla Cassiano

“I’m from Lethem and I recently graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Optometry. I am kind and caring and a humanitarian by heart. I go by a simple motto: ‘We give sight to everyone we meet.’ I am always willing to serve whenever the opportunity presents itself and I never say No.”
“I have worked with both governmental and non-governmental organizations including Ministry of Health , Save Abee, Guyana Medical Mission etc.”
“My main contribution has been eye care services. I enjoy working in the hinterland communities where there are hardly any eye care services available. I volunteer my service by screening for refractive errors and Eye diseases such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Pterygium etc. After these cases are identified, I then ensure appropriate care is given and refer patients where there is a need to.”
“In the year 2018, I have distributed 150 spectacles to school children and old folks that are in dire need. I was recently given an award for my passion, willingness to volunteer, and dedication to my Job. It brings me great joy to know that I am changing lives and touching hearts every day. My goal is to ensure that every one is given an equal right to sight.”

Dominic Vincente

“I’m a 25 year old fitness Coach at TopEnd Training Systems. I’ve been on my fitness journey for about three years. Prior to my fitness journey, I worked at a job where it was required to sit the entire day in front of a computer and I wasn’t too overwhelmed by it. Taking a risk of entering into a new arena where I had to start from scratch and be taught the different branches of fitness as it pertains to eating right, weight loss strategies, strength building, muscle activation etc, as well as getting myself certified, is a journey I embarked on without looking back and stayed optimistic towards this new journey. I actually got in to fitness via my mentor; he was the one who saw the potential of being a Fitness Coach within me, that I had being in the background of sports. I’m a National basketball player for Guyana, and basically a lover of all sports. Since the beginning of my journey to date, working has no longer become a choice or a job because being a Fitness Coach and a youth Specialist is something I enjoy to be engulfed in. I also love to read and I’m just a fun and dynamic individual.”
“It all started when I was overseas at a basketball institution where I had to assist youths in the discipline of that sport. When I was growing up I didn’t have someone with a fitness background to teach me all the little things to make me a better person in the different sporting activities, so I came up with a plan. Being in the fitness circle and with no one being certified in that arena, I used that as a indicator to get my certification to help our youths get stronger mentally and physically.”
“This year, 2018, has been good to me in every way, I’ve concluded my certification in the Youth Exercise Specialist earlier in the year and that really placed me in a great position moving forward. It was then I got to really understand how and what to do when I’m Training kids and even adults because we are all kids ourselves no matter our ages. Exercise is something that should be fun at times but at other times, business, in order to achieve your goals. I’m hoping with this momentum, I can take it over to the new year, learn more, get more qualified in the different areas and be better in my overall service to the public.”

Ayodele Roache

“My name is Ayodele Modpue Roache and I am 19 years of age. I attended Liana Nursery, St Pius Primary, Christ Church Secondary and St Rose’s High school. I graduated from Christ Church Secondary School with 10 CSEC subjects with passes in all. I recently graduated from St Rose’s High School with a Diploma/Associate Degree in Law. I am currently attending the University of Guyana, as a first year international relations student.”
“My passion for volunteerism is something I love to say I was born with. In my first year at the Christ Church Secondary school, I joined the interact club. This was the first time I really was exposed to social activities, whether it had been to plan a school project or to partner with other schools to represent Guyana, our school or district. In Form Two, I was elected as the youngest President of Christ Church Secondary school’s Interact Club, where I served for three years as the President and shortly after being elected, I was selected to represent Guyana at the 2012 RYLA youth conference. Yet again, I was one of the youngest persons to participate in that conference. In 2015, the CCSS interact club was chosen to do the road safety declaration, being involved at such an early age (12 years) in representing myself, country and school led to me seeing the need for the importance of youth involvement within any nation, especially Guyana. Being able to network with youths from other countries helped me to clearly draft the path I want to take; being involved in those social activities is not a mere achievement for me to brag about. It served as a stepping stone in becoming the person I am today and the person I want to grow into tomorrow. It helped me to create a passion for helping others. In 2017, I was chosen as a Youth Ambassador to represent Guyana and the US Embassy based in Guyana, on a cultural exchange visit to the United States of America, and in 2018 I was elected as probably the youngest councilor in Georgetown.”
“This year was full of lessons, opportunities, hard work and accomplishments. This year, I and fellow youth ambassadors completed a project at the Mibicuri Secondary school, President’s College and Christ Church Secondary. The project was aimed at building youths, helping them to recognize the leader within themselves and how they can use their unique skills to be better persons.”
“I am currently the vice chair of Youth for Change, and a member of the Alliance for Change. The YFC, this year has successfully managed to further educate Guyanese on the negative outcomes surrounding domestic violence and how we as a nation can “BE THE SOLUTION” to ending domestic violence. This project was unique, in that it targeted both male and female, rather than focusing on one sex.”
“This year, I took the first step, to motivate young persons like myself to “get up and go” make a positive change. I got myself involved in Local Government Elections and ran as PR candidate under the AFC, campaigning for youths. I continue to volunteer my service to different organisations and persons. I recently volunteered at the “I CAN” project for Agricola youths, which was planned and implemented by Christine Profitt.”
“The year 2018 was a year full of wishes, advocating, opportunities, lessons and accomplishments. In 2019, I will continue this journey, the journey in making Guyana a better place, the journey in fighting for youths to be involved in decision making, to be given seats at the table. None of this could have been possible without my parents and family, without their support, love and encouragement.”

Chelsea Edghill

Chelsea Edghill is a 21 year old former student of The Bishops’ High School. Currently, she is a senior at Lindenwood University. Additionally, she is also the current U21 Caribbean Women’s Champion and Women’s Open Bronze Medalist.
“I started playing table tennis as a hobby and found out later that I had a love for it and continued playing. Over the years it’s been that love for the sport that kept me going and playing, and striving for excellence.
Throughout 2018, I’d say I have been successful in my endeavors with many international titles and abilities to give back to the sport. To name a few, St Joseph Valley Open Women’s Open champion, the Midwest District Collegiate Championships Womens’ Singles Champion, and hosting the Old School Vs New School Exhibition match to raise funds.

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