The Enmore Youth Development Group is a non-profitable organisation registered under the Ministry of Culture, Youths and Sports and attached to the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana programme.
The group was founded on Sept. 11, 2013, by two dedicated professionals, who have a passion for youths and their development, Steve Datta and Romel Putulall.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, president of the group, Romel Putulall stated that the group’s aim is to “promote young individuals within society and to help develop good moral value in their lives.” The group’s motto is, “To see a positive change, we have to first ignite that change, be the change, and lead the change”.
According to Putulall, after three months of activities, the group increased in numbers. The group was then headed by four other leaders – Nicole Dumay, group’s secretary, Kaeron Singh, vice president, Shivraj Balkissoon, health adviser, Nikita Outar, environment adviser, Akeel Suliman, sports adviser.
“These are all youths who are in the working field and studying and have the desire to see youths in the community develop. Too many youths have become addicted to drugs, alcohol, and the crime rate is prevalent among youths in various communities, so together as leaders our main objective in mind is to make a difference. We want to be that change, since we are the future of tomorrow,” declared Putulall.
In 2013, some activities which were undertaken by the group included holding a grand community Diwali motorcade in Enmore. Putulall disclosed it was the first time an event like that was held in the community. He was pleasantly surprised to see over 100 persons gathered together as a community to make the event a success.
“For the Christmas celebration, we had a grand Christmas tree light-up. Youths worked in the rain, the hot sun, and even late hours in the night to get the tree completed before the holiday. Nevertheless, it was successfully completed. Persons in the community were astonished. It was beautifully dressed with the kind contributions from the business community in Enmore. Notably, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony was present at the Christmas tree light-up,” recalled Putulall.
A few group activities include a movie night, fun day, cookout, and group discussions on various topics ranging from music, relationships, and issues affecting teenagers. Putulall pointed out that the activities are geared at fostering lasting relationships between the youths.
Aiming to improve the environment, the group’s proposed project is to plan a tree-planting exercise and garbage management programme. Cultural shows for various holidays would continue to be part of the group’s activities. Group members, who have excelled academically and want to give back to their community, would be offering free computer and CSEC classes. Future plans also include planning medical outreach programmes and more sport activities.
“Through the group we have been able to influence a lot of youths. Those who would regularly be playing pools in rum shops became actively involved in the group and broke off from such activities. The idea about keeping youths off the streets has been achieved to a fair extent. By the end of the year, the idea is to influence as much youths as possible,” explained Putulall.
The Enmore Youth Development Group currently has 55 registered youths, from ages 14 and above, and welcomes all youths who want to make a positive change in their communities.
“Personally giving back to the community makes me feel good, in terms of seeing that I have been able to influence a lot of youths. It makes me proud to see these ones become responsible individuals, contributing positively to their community and being leaders of change. I live with a policy in mind that youths are the future of tomorrow and so will work feverishly to help youths achieve as much as they can. As for the members of the group, they are happy to be involved, since there was never a group in the community like this one. Giving back to their community means a lot and so they work diligently in accomplishing the group’s goals,” expressed Putulall.
