The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) announced on Wednesday, the successful launch its Youth ALLIES voter education programme on March 11, 2023. Held at the Giftland Mall, the event saw scores of young Guyanese receiving non-partisan civic and voter education. They also engaged in educational games, mock ballot exercises, and raffle draws.
The voter education launch is the first of many activities that will take place across the country in anticipation of Guyana’s Local Government Elections on June 12, 2023. Informed citizens are the bedrock of democracy, as such, this programme is intended to help young people understand their rights and responsibilities as voters.
Officials at the Youth ALLIES programme said they are committed to promoting civic and voter education among young voters across all 10 regions. In a statement, they said the programme seeks to empower youths with the skills and knowledge they need to strengthen their participation in problem-solving at the community level and increase their participation in political life. Over the next three months, Youth ALLIES volunteers will work closely with young people and Guyanese stakeholders across the country to provide this critical knowledge and build a more engaged citizenry.
Youth ALLIES partners, including the Guyana National Youth Council, Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, and Youth Challenge Guyana, also expressed sincere thanks to the public for their enthusiasm and engagement, and to the management of Giftland Mall for facilitating the team event. The partners said they look forward to continuing this important work by taking similar events to communities across Guyana in the coming months.
Together, the partners are working to ensure young voters have the information they need to exercise their right and responsibility to participate in Guyana’s democratic process.
