New ‘BRAVE’ Centre dedicated to supporting men, youth in Reg. 3 

A youth-friendly, men’s empowerment hub- called the BRAVE Centre- was commissioned on Tuesday at the West Central Mall, Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara). 

This centre is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry. With it, men and youth in Region Three can have a dedicated space for support. 

The centre’s opening comes just a month after the BRAVE national policy was launched. 

BRAVE stands for Build your legacy, Reclaim manhood, Activate goals, Visualise success, and Execute fearlessly. And BRAVE is a men’s policy that is a new national framework aimed at involving men and boys in efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) while promoting emotional well-being and personal responsibility.

Because this policy encourages men and boys to reflect on traditional gender norms, and redefine concepts of manhood in ways that prioritise emotional intelligence, accountability, and community leadership, stakeholders realised a safe space was needed too. 

“… Men need a space to share, they need a space to heal and they need a space to be held accountable. This space creates that,” Dr. Cona Husbands, the Manager of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit at the Human Services Ministry, said.

Subject Minister Dr.  Vindhya Persaud also spoke at the opening of the centre.

“The Brave Centre asks men to do something. To have a sense of responsibility and accountability, being responsible and accountable for their own actions. It is to support men in redefining themselves,” she told the gathering. 

Moreover, she highlighted that this centre has a dual purpose. Aside from being a space for men to come and engage each other, or engage professionals and other stakeholders, it is also a space for youth. 

Children and teenagers who visit the centre can benefit from counselling, assistance with their homework, or really, anything they need help with. Dr. Persaud said the BRAVE centre is a safe, youth-friendly space. 

The West Central Mall and the Albert family behind the venture were recognised by the ministry for their support for the initiative. For an entire year, no rent will be charged for the space. 

Dr. Persaud urged other businesspersons to support similar ventures in their communities.