Local NGO receives US grant to conduct after-school activities in Corriverton

The Family Awareness Consciousness & Togetherness (FACT), a Corriverton-based Non-Governmental-Organisation (NGO) has received $13,353,000 from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Program.

The grant will fund after-school activities for 80 children, between the ages of 10 to 18 years, from five schools in Corriverton, a statement from the US Embassy in Georgetown said.

The program will include lessons and homework support integrated with creative arts, life skills, and sports.

The embassy explained that the initiative follows call for proposals from organizations operating in five target communities in Guyana; Corriverton, East La Penitence, East Ruimveldt, Lodge, and Sophia.

“The activities will encourage student participation in positive youth development activities that reduce vulnerability to risky behaviours that lead to violence,” it noted.

Although the event focused on the Corriverton community, the after-school programs will eventually reach the remaining aforementioned communities, the statement said.

The program is expected to increase youth’s self-efficacy, improve their computer knowledge and skills, and ultimately improve school attendance by engaging them in a stimulating and rewarding set of activities. Parents will also be encouraged to get involved in the academic life of their children and share in the journey by participating in regular meetings for the duration of the program.

CFYR is a USAID program designed to reduce youth involvement in crime and violence. It features a comprehensive package of interventions that build the resilience of youth ages 10-29, strengthen family support, and encourage community cohesion.