President Irfaan Ali on Saturday launched a self defence class for girls ages 13-18 and though the primary focus is to teach the girls the art of self-defence, the President emphasised that it is also aimed at building their confidence and discipline
“It is not only self-defence training we will teach but we will spend brief time every day on this programme to talk to them, to give positive messages, to use leader of our society to leave positive message to them […] To speak to them and to build their self-confidence, to let them know they are part of a world that care,” the President stated while noting that officials will be on the ground interacting with the participants.
Some 300 girls from all the administrative regions will undergo this training and classes will be held for one hour, three times per week and will run for one month.
To ensure the youths maximise the benefits of this programme, the girls will be divided into several groups.
The President also told the trainers to give the girls this opportunity “to grow their own space.”
Additionally, the caring Head of State also assured the parents and guardians of the young girls that they will be well taken care of.
He added “self-defence is not only about fighting it is training you the basic skills in protecting yourself, in protecting your friends, basic skills that required discipline.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr also emphasised the need of programmes of this nature as it links to President Ali’s vision of ‘One Guyana’ since it bring girls from all ethnicities and social classes together in one space.
“When you have opportunities like this it is very important that you seize it,” he noted as he encouraged the girls.
Plans are in place to launch several other programmes geared to bring young people together.
Also in attendance at the launching ceremony at State House were First Lady Arya Ali and Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.
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