Speaking with MTV News Update, Executive Officer of the Presidential Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), Ivan Bentham said one goals of the organisation is to have several programmes introduced into the prisons and the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).
He noted these programmes will be introduced so that “delinquent juveniles” can have a better life once they have finished serving their sentences.
Bentham said he has already written to the relevant officials about these plans but he is still awaiting a response. He is hopeful training can start by next year.
“We want to tackle the young people, the juvenile delinquents […] we can actually help to change our young people mindset from the wayward lifestyle and help them to be a better person in society so that their career path can be a better outlook,” he said.
When asked about the areas of training that would be offered in, Bentham did not give details but made it known the youths in detention would have the same opportunities as those in free society.
“We look to see projects that are meaningful for young people that would help them gain the requisite skills they would need and require to function into society.”
The programmes offered by the PYARG vary in a number of fields and target persons between the ages of 14-24. All training programmes are free of cost.
There are currently several other training programs being offered behind the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). Some areas of training include agriculture, tailoring, and carpentry among others.
