Guyana Center for Civic Engagement

16/04/2026

👉 “Your actions shape the world 🌍

13/02/2026

Statement from the Guyana Center for Civic Engagement (GYCCE)

The Guyana Center for Civic Engagement notes with deep concern the announcement of the impending closure of Stabroek News, a development that represents a significant moment for media freedom and democratic discourse in Guyana.

Independent media houses are central to the health of any democracy. As part of the Fourth Estate, they play a critical role in informing citizens, amplifying diverse voices, scrutinizing public institutions, and strengthening accountability. A vibrant democracy depends not only on free and fair elections, but also on an informed and engaged population — and that requires independent journalism.

For decades, Stabroek News provided a platform for public debate, investigative reporting, and national reflection. In a plural society such as ours, spaces for diverse opinions and constructive criticism are essential to building trust, transparency, and good governance.

The potential loss of an independent media institution is not merely a commercial matter; it is a civic issue. When independent voices diminish, the democratic space narrows. Guyana’s development must be accompanied by strong institutions — and the media is one of them.

GYCCE reaffirms its commitment to promoting democratic values, media literacy, dialogue, and responsible civic engagement. We stand in solidarity with journalists and media professionals who continue to uphold the principles of ethical and independent reporting.

Democracy is strongest when its institutions — including the press — remain resilient, independent, and protected.

Guyana deserves nothing less.

01/01/2026

10/12/2025

✨ Project Highlight ✨
📍 Linden

The Linden Foundation Secondary School conducted an Environmental Cleanup and Beautification project as part of the second phase of the Youth Engage 592 Leadership Program that was recently completed.

The civic group cleaned the school’s compound of garbage 🚮 and strategically planted ornamental plants around the school’s yard to beautify the environment 🌱

Hats off to the Linden Foundation School 👏🏾

09/12/2025

✨ Project Highlight ✨
📍 Linden

A few months ago, GYCCE completed the Youth Engage 592 Leadership Training in Linden. During the second phase of the training, the students from different schools were tasked with planning and executing a project within their schools or community.

The Christianburg Wismar Secondary School copped the ‘Best Project’ prize. The students revisited their alter mater (nursery school) to re-establish the school’s garden. 🪴 The students commenced by identifying the garden plot, after which they immediately began cleaning the area of all unwanted vegetation. They prepared grow beds and subsequently transplanted vegetable seedlings. 🌱

Additionally, they donated a water can to the school to assist with irrigating the plants🪴

Congratulations to the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School 🥳

08/12/2025

✨ Project Highlight ✨
📍 Lethem

Students of the St. Ignatius Secondary school completed a community project as part of the second phase of the Youth Engage 592 Leadership Programme that was recently completed. The children planned and executed a no littering 🚯 exercise by preparing and installing ‘No Littering’ signs and waste receptacles 🚮 around their school compound.

This project, though small, sought to prevent littering and ensure that the environment remains clean and free of garbage. 🍃

Kudos to the civic engagement group for their thoughtful and impactful project.

20/11/2025

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the 41 students and 8 mentors from Region 10 who successfully completed civic engagement and leadership training through the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Program, delivered by the Guyana Center for Civic Engagement with support from the U.S. Department of State.

As part of the program, participants are challenged to establish civic clubs and lead initiatives that create positive change in their schools and communities. A special shoutout to Christianburg Wismar Secondary School for their outstanding School Garden Project, designed to benefit their neighboring nursery school. The team of young leaders prepared the land, planted seedlings, and donated a watering can to help sustain the initiative.

The U.S. government remains committed to supporting youth leadership and community-strengthening efforts across Guyana.

03/11/2025

Thirty students and three mentors from St. Ignatius Secondary School graduated on Saturday from the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Programme during a ceremony at the Takutu Hotel Benab in Lethem.

Read more on https://ignitenews.com/2025/11/02/thirty-lethem-youths-complete-civic-leadership-skills-programme/

Catch Ignite News every weeknight at 6:00 PM on Channel 6 and ENet 6 — bringing you the latest local and international stories that matter.

01/11/2025

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐭𝐡𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝟓𝟗𝟐 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟑𝟎 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦

Lethem, Region 9 — The Guyana Center for Civic Engagement (GYCCE) successfully hosted the graduation ceremony for the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Program in Lethem on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Takutu Hotel Benab. A total of 30 students and 3 mentors from St. Ignatius Secondary School proudly completed the two-month civic leadership training.

The program equipped participants with vital skills through modules in Civic Engagement, Ethical Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Patriotism, Elections and Voting Education, Project Planning, and Volunteerism. Training sessions were facilitated by Mr. Deodat Persaud, Ms. Narima Ali, and Mr. Lauriston Choy.

In his opening remarks, Curriculum Coordinator, Mr. Feroze Khan, encouraged participants to remain focused in their pursuit of excellence and to use the lessons learned as tools for personal and community transformation.

Delivering the feature address, Regional Chairperson, Ms. Vania Albert, applauded the initiative and urged students to seize opportunities provided by the Government, particularly in education, describing it as a key instrument for leadership development.

GYCCE Director, Mr. Deodat Persaud, in his remarks, underscored the importance of youth engagement in nation-building and called for young people to demonstrate the highest form of patriotism, especially in the face of external threats. He reiterated GYCCE’s commitment to collaborating with like-minded organizations to promote civic engagement and ethical leadership as hallmarks of responsible citizenship.

Guest speaker, Ms. Alyssa Melville, a Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2024 Alum and representative of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, inspired students to volunteer actively and contribute to building a better Guyana.

🏆 Awards of Excellence:

Most Impacting Project Award: Green Generation Group, led by Mr. Timothy Mohabir, for installing solar lights in the school compound to promote green energy and provide safer spaces for sports.

Most Promising Leader Award: Mr. Vanderson Henry, for leading an impactful Anti-Littering campaign promoting environmental awareness.

Another project included the setting up of a library space within the school.

Students also received Civic Engagement Kits, which included soft copies of Guyana's Constitution and supporting materials to encourage continued learning and participation in civic life.

GYCCE extends appreciation to mentors Ms. Sunita Mohabir, Ms. Leoni Sears, and Sir Louis Stanislaus for their exceptional mentorship throughout the program.

Gratitude was also extended to the Ministry of Education.

Funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy Georgetown, the YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Program continues to empower high school students across Guyana. Successful cohorts have already been completed in Regions 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10, fostering a network of civic-minded youth leaders committed to shaping Guyana’s future with integrity, purpose, and service.

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Contact:
Guyana Center for Civic Engagement (GYCCE)
📧 Email: [email protected]
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📍 Georgetown, Guyana