“My U.S. trip was a memorable experience”– youth ambassador

Zimena Rasheed reaches out to a U.S. State Department official on her visit to the country

Youth ambassador Zimena Rasheed has expressed appreciation to the United States Department and Partners of America for facilitating her exchange visit to the U.S. The 15-year-old student of Anna Regina Multilateral in a recent interview with Guyana Times International hailed the visit as a success, saying that “My U.S. trip was a memorable experience”.
Rasheed said she is now better equipped with leadership skills and is more willing to serve at the community level.
Reflecting on her trip, the teenager said she was able to interact with students from other countries, and learn about their culture, lifestyles and different beliefs. The young lady said during her stay, she tried to make a comparison with the two countries (United States and Guyana), as it related to culture, customs and traditions.
According to Rasheed, this aspect of life in the U.S. is not far different from Guyana, but noted that the spirit of volunteerism stands out.
“One thing that really caught my attention was in Wyoming, the way the people volunteer, the way the groups do things, and how they work together, it is heartwarming to see,” the youth ambassador said.
Rasheed, who is also an active member of the President Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme and the environmental youth club at her school, said during her tenure in the U.S., she attended sessions on leadership, project implementation and planning.
The young lady said she will be using her knowledge garnered for the educational visit to embark on a literacy programme at Tiger Bay, an area where she has a vested interest to assist her fellow youths.
Rasheed, while in the U.S., visited the United States State Department, Howard University, museums and several embassies. The Anna Regina Multilateral student said Guyana’s contingent spent two weeks in the state of Wyoming, with a host of families and toured the

Zimena Rasheed with fellow youth ambassadors in the U.S.

University of Wyoming, the Laranue Country Community college and high school and the Cathedral Home for children.
She said the tours were also organised by the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Youth Centre. The centre seeks to rehabilitate and guide delinquent youths and provide a healthy recreational spot for them.
The teenager said the Partners of Americas has reached out to youths, and has really changed the lives of those on the trip.
“The experience we gained is simply remarkable,” Rasheed said, and pointed out that local youths can become involved in meaningful activities that will make Guyana a better place by simply joining the PYARG programme.
The youth ambassador also extends gratitude to her host family in the U.S. and to the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School for making her visit possible, noting that she was proud to represent Guyana.