53 graduate from Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement leadership programme

May 18, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

Kaieteur News- The Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement (GyCCE) held a graduation ceremony for the Region 5 cohort of the YOUthEngage592 leadership training Programme, on Saturday last.

The initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, brought together secondary school students and teachers in a spirit of achievement and civic purpose.

Some 53 students and 10 teachers graduated from seven secondary schools: Novar, Bushlot, Rosignol, No. 8, Belladrum, Woodley Park, and Fort Wellington. This cohort marks another milestone in the GyCCE’s ongoing mission to nurture a new generation of civic-minded youth leaders across Guyana.

53 graduate from Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement leadership programme

Some 53 students and 10 teachers graduated when the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement (GyCCE) held a graduation ceremony on Saturday last.

Over a three-month period, participants engaged in comprehensive sessions covering civic engagement, elections and voting education, ethical leadership, conflict resolution, volunteerism, and project planning. As part of the programme, each participant also received a Civic Engagement Kit, which included a soft copy of the Constitution of Guyana, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better understand and fulfill their civic responsibilities.

The programme was facilitated by a passionate team led by GyCCE Director, Deodat Persaud, deputy director Nareema Ali, and programme coordinators Sherry Mangru and Cholaram Doodnauth.

The feature address was delivered by Mr. Feroze Khan, Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana. He inspired participants with a powerful message: “Leadership is not a destination. It is a lifelong journey. This YOUthEngage592 badge is not the end—it is the beginning. A symbol that says: I am ready to serve. I am ready to lead. I am ready to build a better West Berbice, and a stronger Guyana.” He also added that, “Let me be clear: you don’t need to move to Georgetown to make an impact. You don’t need to be a politician to lead change. You need heart. You need purpose. And you need to remember what you’ve learned over the last three months—leadership begins with showing up and never giving up.”

GyCCE Director and Founder, Deodat Persaud, charged graduates to continue their journey of active leadership: “Over the past three months, you have not only learned about leadership—you have lived it. You’ve shown up, spoken up, and stepped up. And in doing so, you’ve begun a transformation—not just of yourselves, but of your communities. He reminded participants that Leadership doesn’t always come with a title or a podium. Sometimes, it looks like standing up for what’s right when no one else will. Sometimes, it’s listening deeply, serving humbly, and doing the difficult work of building bridges in divided spaces.”

Persaud also welcomed the recent call by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo for Civic Engagement to be taught in schools, affirming the importance of preparing youth to lead change from an early age.

As part of the programme’s capstone, each school team completed a community impact project. The Best Project Awards went to: Rosignol Secondary School, for the rehabilitation of a volleyball court, and Woodley Park Secondary School, for the construction of an incinerator to improve school sanitation and environmental care.

With the successful graduation of the Region 5 cohort, the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Programme continues to expand its reach. The programme now moves to Region 10, as GyCCE deepens its commitment to civic leadership development across Guyana.

The Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement is dedicated to empowering Guyanese youth with essential skills in civic engagement, democratic participation, ethical leadership, and volunteerism. Through programmes like YOUthEngage592, GyCCE aims to foster a new generation of leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities

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