ENGAGE Youth
Empowering Indigenous and Rural Youth in Guyana’s Hinterland
The Empowering the Next Generation: Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE Youth) Project is a five-year initiative (2022–2027) implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in Guyana. The project supports Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, to strengthen their agency, participate in decision-making, and access inclusive, climate-resilient livelihood opportunities.
What is ENGAGE Youth?
ENGAGE Youth works with communities, Indigenous leaders, local organizations, and government stakeholders to strengthen youth participation, promote gender equality and social inclusion, and support youth-led, climate-resilient economic initiatives.
Highights
Five-year project (2022–2027)
Implemented y World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Working in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9
Focus on Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women
ENGAGE Youth is a national project designed to enhance the empowerment of Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, in Guyana. The project supports youth to develop confidence, skills, and agency to participate in personal, household, and community decision-making.
The project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), a Canadian non-profit organization with a long history of working in education, economic opportunity, and youth empowerment globally.
Many Indigenous and rural youth in Guyana face barriers to participation in education, economic opportunities, and community decision-making. Young women often experience additional challenges related to gender inequality and social exclusion.
ENGAGE Youth responds to these challenges by promoting gender equality, inclusive participation, and youth-centred approaches that recognize the strengths, aspirations, and leadership potential of Indigenous youth.
ENGAGE Youth uses a systems-based and human-centred approach. The project works alongside Indigenous communities and partners to:
Provide gender-responsive life skills and empowerment training
Support community awareness and engagement
Strengthen the capacity of local leaders and organizations
Facilitate networking and exchange learning opportunities
Support youth-led, climate-resilient economic initiatives
All project activities are guided by principles of inclusion, gender equality, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
ENGAGE Youth is implemented in targeted Indigenous and rural communities across four regions of Guyana:
Region 1
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
These regions include hinterland and remote communities where Indigenous youth face distinct social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Our Themes
ENGAGE Youth’s work is organized around four interconnected Themes. Together, these Themes support youth empowerment, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, and Indigenous-led development.
ENGAGE Youth supports Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, to build confidence, skills, and agency to make informed decisions about their lives. This includes strengthening youth participation in personal, household, and community decision-making.
The project promotes gender equality and social inclusion by creating safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive spaces where young women and marginalized youth can participate and lead. ENGAGE Youth also engages men and boys to support positive gender norms and shared decision-making.
ENGAGE Youth supports the livelihoods and wellbeing of Indigenous and rural youth through gender- and youth-sensitive livelihood programs. The project promotes climate-resilient economic initiatives that are led by or employ Indigenous youth, especially young women.
ENGAGE Youth works with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen community support for youth participation. The project promotes Indigenous-led, youth-sensitive development through collaboration and partnership.
What We Do
Life Skills and Empowerment Training
ENGAGE Youth provides gender-responsive life skills training to support Indigenous youth, especially young women, to address sociocultural and economic challenges. Training topics include leadership, communication, financial literacy, and wellbeing.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
The project promotes awareness and dialogue on gender equality and social inclusion through workshops and community engagement. Activities are designed to support inclusive participation and address barriers faced by young women and marginalized youth.
Youth Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities
ENGAGE Youth supports youth-led and youth-employing economic initiatives through skills development, market analysis, and responsive grants. These initiatives emphasize sustainability and climate resilience.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
ENGAGE Youth strengthens the capacity of community leaders, Indigenous organizations, and local stakeholders to support youth participation and inclusive development.
Resources & Learning
For Youth
For Communities
For Government & Stakeholders
Toolkits & Downloads
Partners
ENGAGE Youth is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The project works with:
Indigenous and rural communities
Community leaders and Indigenous organizations
Government ministries and local authorities
Local, regional, and national partners
Media and Press
This section includes:
Official press releases
Project announcements
Published articles related to ENGAGE Youth
All materials reflect approved project messaging.
Contact
World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
ENGAGE Youth Project — Guyana
Lot 32 Area ‘C’, Belvoir Court
Bel Air, Georgetown, Guyana
Phone: (592) 510-9953
Email: engageyouthproject.gy@wusc.ca