Last weekend three inmates from the Sophia Juvenile Detention Centre who are enrolled in the O-Zone Foundation’s ‘Youth with Purpose’ programme competed in the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division Spelling Bee competition.
The Spelling Bee competition is one of the numerous activities under ‘Project Impact Albouystown’ which is an initiative of the Guyana Police Force.
O-Zone Foundation and the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division are working together to achieve the goal of minimizing recidivism among juveniles.
The two organisations have pooled their skills and resources together to integrate at risk youths and those who have had negative contact with law enforcement, through mentorship, sports and education with the aim of reducing crime among youths.
The O-Zone youths were among 27 juveniles who competed in the senior category. All three of O-Zone’s Youths with a Purpose spelt their way to the semi-final rounds of the competition.
According to the Director of the Foundation Olive Gopaul, “these opportunities are good exposures for the youths since they are integral in their social reintegration process. Our mandate is to use mentorship and education as critical solutions to reducing poverty among youths. Many of the youths have been rejected by their families and society, but given the right opportunities, they can become productive citizens.”
