Launch of the Greater Youth Volunteerism and Engagement (GYVE) Project.
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan), has launched the Greater Youth Volunteerism and Engagement (GYVE) Project, aimed at empowering local youth through community-driven volunteer projects.
This initiative invites young Vincentians aged 19 to 35 to form groups and propose community improvement projects, with funding and equipment provided to turn their ideas into reality.
During the launch, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves emphasized the importance of volunteerism in building stronger communities, noting that “Volunteerism has taken a backseat in many of our communities. The GYVE Project is a call to action for our youth to reignite that spirit, where we come together not just to build infrastructure but to build each other.”
Dr. Gonsalves stressed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a modern, competitive economy and nurture self-organization and solidarity among the nation’s youth.
Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves outlined the financial structure of the program, announcing a $1.5 million dollars commitment to fund these volunteer projects. He praised the capability and willingness of young people, stating that “GYVE is that spark” needed to transform their potential into real community impact.
Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, Her Excellency Fiona Fan reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to youth empowerment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressing pride in supporting the GYVE Project as part of Taiwan’s ongoing cooperation with the country. She highlighted Taiwan’s support in areas like technology, agriculture, and education, strengthening bilateral ties.
GYVE Project Coordinator, Dr. Nigel Scott, reflected on the spirit of volunteerism, drawing from his own experiences and emphasizing that GYVE aims to reintroduce community service values among today’s youth. He outlined the program structure, which supports groups of 6 to 15 young people working on projects for a six-month cycle, with equipment and stipends provided.
The GYVE Project is a bold step towards fostering youth leadership and community development under the slogan “Empowering Youth, Supporting Communities.”
