Day two of this year’s National Youth Week commenced with the Essay Winner Reveal on state media by the National Youth Volunteer Corps (NYVC) on August 10.
Overall, there were four winners of the essay competition in two age categories, 13-17 and 18+, who effectively tackled the prompt, “Why does volunteering matter?”
In the 13-17 category, Rheikecia Manning copped the top prize, a laptop from AKNAH Imports and a Top Up voucher and school bag from APUA iNet. Kirvin Marcellin got second place and school supplies from AKNAH Imports and Top Up voucher and school bag from APUA iNet.
Amar Singh secured the first place position in the 18+ category, followed by Kaiana Cannonier in second place. Singh got a LIAT AIR ticket to travel anywhere in the region. Cannonier was rewarded with a US$250 dinner for two at Hodges Bay Resort.
President of the NYVC, Jahmaal Frederick, congratulated all the winners and applauded the sponsors for their contributions. “Many thanks to LIAT AIR, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, AKNAH IMPORTS, APUA iNet, HANKA Construction & Project Management Inc. for collaborating with us on this initiative,” he said.
Frederick is anticipating more competitions. “We need more initiatives like this to get young people interested in writing,” he declared. “The NYVC is looking forward to more submissions in the future. For those who met the deadline, there were approximately thirty submissions. I am also happy to point out that these submissions were not merely from students, but also from public and private sector employees,” he added.
Frederick also encouraged young people who want to make a meaningful difference to join the National Youth Volunteer Corps. “You don’t have to be perfect or be a leader. If you are interested in making your community cleaner, helping the elderly, organizing events, or you just want to give back, you are always welcomed in the NYVC. Just express interest by emailing us at nationalyouthvolunteercorpsab@gmail.com,” Frederick said.
The National Youth Volunteer Corps operates under the Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation. The NYVC continues to focus on social responsibility and play an integral role in the activities of National Youth Week.
National Youth Week continues today, which is International Youth Day, with the Appointment Ceremony of National and CARICOM Youth Ambassadors at the UWI Five Islands Campus.