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| GUYANA |
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Guyana means "Land of Many Waters" in Carib, one of the regions' many living Amerindian languages and refers to the complex network of pristine rivers that snake throughout the country. There are also many steep escarpments and waterfalls, including the famous Kaieteur Falls which is the world’s tallest single drop waterfall at 741 feet! Guyana’s population is racially and ethnically heterogeneous, composed chiefly of a native Amerindian population together with the descendants of immigrants from Europe, Africa, China, and India. Guyana’s blend of cultures gives it similarities to Trinidad and distinguishes it from other parts of the Americas and shares similar interests with the islands in the West Indies, such as food, festive events, music, sports and more.
Guyana’s chronic economic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. Until recently, the government was juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. Historically, politics is a source of tension in the country and violent riots have often broken out during elections in the capital city.
Despite the legendary beauty and the romantic allure of its undisturbed hinterlands, Guyana remains the poorest country in the Commonwealth Caribbean and has the lowest human development index of all CARICOM nations except Haiti. Currently YCI works with its longest-standing partner organization Youth Challenge Guyana on various projects and activities. Programming focuses on youth skills development and can include literacy and life skills training, HIV/AIDS awareness, young women’s empowerment and construction projects to meet basic community needs.
While on project, you may get the chance to ride in a Bedford truck along remote Amazonian roads, travel through pristine jungle rivers by boat or hike on foot throughout interior communities. Living conditions are basic and the work is challenging but local hospitality is second to none. So come and experience travel off the beaten track and be a part of a long term tradition of youth programming in Guyana!
| HDI: |
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103/177 |
| Population: |
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0.752 million |
| Life Expectancy: |
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63.6 years |
| Infant mortality: |
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63/1,000 births |
| Adult Literacy Rate: |
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96.5% |
| HIV prevalence:
(ages 15-49) |
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2.5% |
Population living below
the national
poverty line: |
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43% |
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Program Overview
