Region 3 Welcomes Guyana’s First BRAVE Center for Men and Youth
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
In a groundbreaking move to promote mental wellness, emotional healing, and behavioral change among men and youth, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has officially launched Guyana’s first-ever BRAVE Center in Region 3.
The BRAVE Center – an acronym for “Building Resilience and Values through Empowerment” – is a safe, judgment-free space where men and young people can access guidance, peer support, and development services, particularly in areas like conflict resolution, responsible fatherhood, anger management, and mental health.
At the launch, Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud emphasized the center’s role in fostering dignity and growth beyond stereotypes:
“It’s about meaningful change,” Dr. Persaud said. “We don’t see young people as our ‘tomorrow’—they are our now. And if they are our now, we must invest in their mental, emotional, and personal development.”
The BRAVE Center will operate under the Ministry’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit and the Family Enhancement Services (FES) section. Services will include:
- Anger and stress management
- Violence prevention and accountability
- Mental health and emotional healing
- Peer-to-peer support networks
- Building healthy relationships
Dr. Persaud made it clear that the center is not about labeling men, but rather about creating spaces for healing and support without judgment.
“We need non-judgmental interest in young people. That’s what this space is about,” she said.
A New Model for Community Healing and Growth
The BRAVE initiative reflects a growing recognition that men and boys require targeted support systems, particularly in their roles within families and communities. The program also aligns with broader government efforts to reduce domestic violence and promote positive masculinity across Guyana.
