The Award Programme was launched in Britain in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, but now exists under a number of different names in many countries of the world. Guyana’s National Award Scheme for Youths was launched by the Patron, Her Excellency, President Janet Jagan on 3rd October, 1998 at State House Annexe some 2 months after Guyana received an “independent operating licence” from the In
ternational Award Association
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, headed by the Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony then ably assisted by Permanent Secretary Lt Col (Ret’d) Keith Booker who was responsible for the administration of the Programme. The Minister was assisted with policies of the Programme by a National Advisory Council, while Capt. The programme is presently called the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG). All youths can apply to participate in the programme. Guyana is the 94th country globally to join the I.A.A, and the 17th in the Caribbean/Atlantic Region
As the word “Programme” indicates, it is not a membership organisation but a set of activities designed for young people from 14 to 25 years of age. Within it, they are given opportunities to broaden their lives by participating in a wide range of interests which covers Service to others; Adventurous Journey; Practical Skills; and, Physical Recreation, all of which are related to personal abilities and community needs and an additional section Gold Level 1 Residential Project. The basic philosophy of the Award is to encourage young people to improve their own standards, to share the excitement and satisfaction of achievement, and, above all, to enjoy their efforts. They can follow their existing interests or start new ones, but they are encouraged to think first of those activities which suit their own particular ambitions and which are appropriate to the environment in which they live. The programme is not competitive. Each individual seeks to improve his or her personal standards, not to beat others. Adults are involved in providing support through: Instruction, Supervision and Assessment of Progress in each section of the award, giving them the satisfaction and pleasure of sharing their own experience with the young participants, thus helping to bridge the generation gap and improve harmony within the community. There is no cost to participants except for the provision of materials to produce the articles; all items made by the participants with their inputs are the property of the participants. There is also no cost to parents/guardians of participants. All participants and instructors will be insured.
