Livelihood Enhancement
Creating economic opportunity through skills,
enterprise, and empowerment
Program Overview
Our Livelihood Enhancement program focuses on equipping individuals and families with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to earn sustainable incomes and improve economic security. Through skills training, small enterprise support, access to tools and productive assets, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, we empower vulnerable populations—particularly women and youth—to transition from dependency to self-reliance and build resilient livelihoods within their communities.
Education Program Focus Areas
SDG 1 – No Poverty
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Featured Project
Empowering Youth for Opportunity: The Youth Enhancement Project
Georgetown, Region # 4
Project Summary
Launched in 2024, the Youth Enhancement Project equips young people with the skills, confidence, and structured support needed to access employment and upskilling opportunities.
To date, two cohorts of 15 participants each have completed the four-month program, with over 80% now actively employed or engaged in tertiary education or skills training. Through partnerships with corporate Guyana — including Marriott Hotel Guyana, Sterling Products Limited, and BACIF — participants gain real job exposure and direct pathways to employment.
The program combines workforce readiness training with psychosocial support for participants and their families, strengthening resilience, decision-making, and long-term stability.
- 30 youth trained across two cohorts
- 80% employed or engaged in education/training
- Corporate partnerships providing real job opportunities
Appeal Project
Build & Grow: Indigenous Women Business Project
Region 9
Status:
Funding Required
Donation Goal:
$5,000,000
Project Summary
The Build & Grow Indigenous Women Business Program, conceptualised by Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc., is designed to strengthen 20 existing Indigenous women-owned small businesses in Region 9. To move this initiative from concept to implementation, funding support is required. The program will provide targeted business training, mentorship, and market support to help women improve profitability, build resilience, and grow sustainable enterprises.
Anticipated Impact
- Increased income and stability for 20 women-led businesses
- Improved household economic security
- Stronger women’s leadership and participation in local economies
This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Your investment will turn potential into progress—support Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Region 9.
Braids of Hope, Region 10
Region 10
Status:
Funding Required
Donation Goal:
$5,000,000
Project Summary
In Region 10, many young women and girls face unemployment, limited education pathways, and few opportunities to earn a stable income. The Braids of Hope Project was created to address this gap—by equipping at-risk, out-of-school women with practical braiding skills that can lead to immediate income and long-term self-reliance. Conceptualised by Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc., Braids of Hope combines hands-on skills training with mentorship, confidence-building, and basic entrepreneurship support. The project recognises that when young women are given marketable skills, they are better positioned to support themselves, their families, and their communities.
Why This Project Matters
- It provides a realistic income-generating option for 20 women with limited access to formal employment
- It supports economic independence and reduces vulnerability
- It empowers participants with confidence, purpose, and hope for the future
Projected Outcomes
Once implemented, the project is expected to:
- Equip participants with professional braiding skills
- Enable women to earn income through self-employment or salon-based work
- Improve household financial stability
- Strengthen participants’ self-esteem and life-readiness
Braids of Hope is more than a skills program—it is a pathway from vulnerability to opportunity. Your support will help turn talent into livelihoods and hope into lasting change for women in Region 10.
Testimonials
Vejai Seecharran
Headteacher, Mibicuri Primary School, School Feeding Project, Region 6
Justin Jason Alexander
Youth Enhancement Project, Region 4
Before I joined the classes, I could not read or write properly. Now I am able to read the messages my children send to me on my phone, and I can even reply to them myself. This has made me very happy and proud of my progress.
In my work within the community, I was not able to assist people as much as I wanted to before. Now, I feel confident enough to help the pensioners in our village. I accompany them to Port Kaituma to collect their Old Age Pension and Public Assistance, and I can now help them with reading documents and writing when needed.
This program has truly helped me to become more confident and useful in my community. Once again, I am very thankful to Food For the Poor (Guyana) for giving me this opportunity.
Ms. Bernice Thomas
Participant, Baramita Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project Council Member, Baramita Village Council
Volunteering with Food For the Poor (Guyana) over the years has been very satisfying for me because it allows us to provide meaningful support to the people of Dartmouth and surrounding communities. Through this partnership, we have been able to assist many individuals and families who truly need help.
What I can say is that Food For the Poor has never disappointed us. Whenever we reach out for support, they always try their best to help and to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve.
I am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer and to work alongside an organization that is committed to helping communities and improving lives.
Mr. Kosi Bollers
Darthmouth In Country Partner Essequibo Coast, Region # 2