US strengthens bilateral relationship with Guyana through youths - Youth Ambassadors Programme launched
Georgetown GINA, March 3, 2012
U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Pierce with students of Bishops High School at the launch of the Youth Ambassador Programme in Guyana
The United States of America on Thursday continued to build on the bilateral relationship between two countries when U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Pierce launched a three-week cultural and leadership exchange programme at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).
The Youth Ambassador Programme (YAP) is being offered in Guyana for the first time and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Partners of Americas. It focuses on youth citizen diplomacy, service, and volunteerism.
Guyanese participants in the programme will be selected during the August holidays and will visit the US from September 4 to 25, 2012.
A release from the US Embassy in Guyana stated that the programme prepares participants for a lifetime of leadership and community service through site meetings, learning activities, leadership training, and home visits with local families across the United States.
“The participants and US audiences will increase the mutual understanding among peoples of the Americas,” Pierce said.
“Through this exchange programme, the Youth Ambassadors will strengthen ties of friendship and also acquire new ideas for community service.”
The Youth Ambassadors Programme underscores the priorities set by the US of engaging international youths in meaningful dialogue, fostering relationships among youths from all backgrounds, and creating networks of youth leaders.
Interested invitees pay keen attention during the launch of the Youth Ambassador Programme at NCERD on Thursday.
Pierce noted that the programme will be a significant and exciting opportunity for Guyanese youth, presenting another facet of close bilateral relationship between the two countries. The YAP will also build on the strong people-to-people contact shared by the US and Guyana. He added that it will also be an international experience which will reinforce the basis of the already existing bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two nations and help both to invest in future generations.
Guyanese youth are interested in joining as participants and/mentors can visit the U.S. Embassy website at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/ and the Embassy’s Facebook page for more information on how to apply.