Media Kit

Project Overview (At-a-Glance)

Project Name
Empowering the Next Generation: Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE Youth)

Implementing Organization
World University Service of Canada (WUSC)

Funder
Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

Geographic Focus
Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9 (Indigenous and rural hinterland communities of Guyana)

Project Duration
March 18, 2022 – December 31, 2026

Total Project Value
CAD $9.18 million (GAC-funded, with WUSC in-kind contribution)

Core Focus
Supporting Indigenous and rural youth—especially young women—to strengthen agency, gender equality, livelihoods, and community-led development

Official Project Description (Boilerplate)

ENGAGE Youth is a five-year project implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The project supports the enhanced empowerment of Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, in Guyana by strengthening their ability to participate meaningfully in personal, household, and community decision-making, while also improving the capacity of local, regional, and national stakeholders to respond to youth priorities.

ENGAGE Youth uses a systems approach grounded in human-centred design, gender equality and social inclusion, and climate-resilient livelihoods, working closely with Indigenous communities, leaders, youth organizations, and government partners

Key Themes (for Media Use)

ENGAGE Youth communications are organized around four Themes:

1. Youth Agency and Informed Decision-Making: Supporting Indigenous and rural youth, especially young women, to build confidence, voice, and agency.

2. Gender Equality and Inclusive Participation: Promoting safe, inclusive, gender-responsive and gender-transformative spaces.

3. Youth Livelihoods and Climate-Resilient Economic Initiatives: Supporting gender- and youth-sensitive livelihood programs and climate-resilient economic opportunities.

4. Community Support, Partnerships and Indigenous-Led Development: Strengthening Indigenous-led, youth-sensitive development through partnerships and community leadership.

Evidence & Impact Highlights

Verified

• 537 Indigenous youth (379 female) directly participated in ENGAGE Youth initiatives during Year 3

• 2,471 community members engaged through consultations and community planning processes

• 15 Master Trainers and 47 village-level facilitators trained to deliver life skills programming

• 329 Indigenous community leaders and members participated in gender equality and youth empowerment workshops

• Project launch (March 5, 2025) received national media coverage and high-level government participation

Story of Change

“Being part of ENGAGE Youth helped me find my voice. I learned that my ideas matter and that I can help shape the future of my community.”

— Joyce Alexander, 17, Katoonarib Village, Region 9

ENGAGE Youth documents youth-led transformation through Stories of Change, highlighting confidence, leadership, and climate-resilient livelihoods rooted in Indigenous knowledge and community pride.

Contacts (For Media Enquiries)

Project Director

Vanessa Thompson

Project Director, ENGAGE Youth

World University Service of Canada (WUSC)

📍 Georgetown, Guyana

📞 +592 510-9953

Organization Website

www.wusc.ca

Official Attribution Statement (Required)

“The Empowering the Next Generation: Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE Youth) project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).”

(This statement must appear in all press and media materials.)