Linden Fund USA Newsletter - August 2025

LFU is proud to welcome the 2025-2026 cohort

Onboarding the 8th Cohort of its Secondary School Scholarship Program 

LFU is proud to welcome the 2025-2026 cohort of the Eustace "Sammy" David Scholarship for Success (SfS) as they begin their secondary school journey. Each year, one student from each of the seven secondary schools in Region 10 is selected to receive vouchers to support their school needs throughout their entire secondary school career. Launched in 2018, the SfS program supports 35 scholars each year, with the first two cohorts successfully cycling off in 2023 & 2024 respectively. LFU remains committed to empowering students through education and opportunity. We wish all students a successful and rewarding school year! View our Facebook post. 📚🌟

Treasurer and Founding Member, Cyrilene Wright (left)

Farewell to LFU Treasurer Cyrilene Wright Decades of Distinguished Service

We extend our deepest appreciation to our Treasurer and Founding Member, Cyrilene Wright, who, after close to a decade of continuous service in her second tenure, is passing the baton to new leadership. As Treasurer, she’s been the cornerstone of LFU’s financial transparency and accountability, diligently overseeing reporting and compliance in both our U.S. and Guyana operations. Cyrilene was recognized as one of our 25th Anniversary honorees at our gala last year for her commitment to excellence and for her long record of leadership and service, which have advanced LFU’s mission at home and abroad. Her stewardship has ensured the integrity of LFU’s operations and the confidence of our stakeholders. A former Human Resources Manager with Habitat for Humanity, Broward County, she effectively applied her knowledge of nonprofit sector accounting to strengthen LFU’s financial systems. Thank you for your service, Cyrilene.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) of LFU Guyana Inc. is set for Saturday, September 13th

Annual General Meeting is September 13 from 2-4 p.m. EST

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of LFU Guyana Inc. is set for Saturday, September 13th 2 to 4 pm.  While all are invited, only contributing members can participate in any voting process. This virtual meeting serves as an important forum to review the organization’s accomplishments over the past year, present financial statements, and provide updates on ongoing and upcoming initiatives. It is also a time for members to engage in meaningful dialogue, reaffirm LFU’s mission, and participate in the election of leadership. The AGM ensures transparency, accountability, and collective decision-making, while strengthening the partnership between the Board, members, and the wider community. Look for a Zoom link, which will open starting at 1:30 p.m.

Summer Agriculture Internship Program

LFU Concludes Two Successful Summer Agriculture Programs

LFU Guyana Inc. is proud to announce the successful completion of two of its flagship summer agriculture initiatives. On August 14, both the Summer Agriculture Internship and the Summer Seedling House Program wrapped up after five weeks of hands-on learning and community impact. The fourth installment of our Summer Agriculture Internship Program provided young, agriculture-career-minded participants with the unique opportunity to work alongside local farmers. Interns contributed directly to farm operations while developing practical skills, gaining valuable insights into agricultural practices, and receiving mentorship from experienced producers. This program not only advanced participants’ technical knowledge but also fostered responsibility, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the vital role of agriculture in community development. At the same time, the Summer Seedling House Program engaged one dozen students, ages 11–16, in hands-on agricultural training. Working in the seedling house—constructed during the 2023 internship session with support from SGP Guyana—students learned to plant, nurture, and manage seedlings, gaining both technical and entrepreneurial skills. The seedlings produced were made available to the wider community at affordable prices, thereby supporting local households, promoting food security, and cultivating a spirit of social responsibility among the youth. Both programs not only nurtured agricultural knowledge and skills but also strengthened the link between youth and community-based farming. View our post on Facebook.

LFU Secondary School Scholar Oniha Bennett

LFU Secondary School Scholar Oniha Bennett Competes in 2025 Guyana Youth Parliament

LFU SfS Scholar, Oniha Bennett, a rising Grade 11 student at Wismar Christianburg Secondary School, had the privilege of participating in the 10th Annual Youth Parliament of Guyana held on August 12-16 as the Shadow Minister of Labor. The experience was nothing short of transformative for this young scholar who had to present the opposing position on “Implementing a National Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy.” Oniha described the experience as a great learning experience and she’s looking forward to being chosen again as a senior for another chance to see legislative advocacy in action. She was guided by several assigned Youth parliament mentors, but she also benefited from the valuable insight of 2024 Youth Parliamentarian and LFU Ag Intern and Coordinator Dexter Pellew. Great job, Oniha, and wonderful collaboration among our engaged youths. 

Keefia Younge, a 2023 LFU Agriculture Intern and 2024 Project Manager

Congratulations to LFU’s Keefia Younge - 2025 Miss Universe Guyana Contestant 

LFU Guyana Inc. proudly celebrates Keefia Younge, a 2023 LFU Agriculture Intern and 2024 Project Manager, who recently placed in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Guyana competition in Georgetown, Guyana. We’re proud of Keefia, who continues to engage actively with LFU, demonstrating leadership, confidence, and dedication to community service. Her achievement is not only an inspiration to her peers but also a testament to the impact of LFU’s programs in shaping dynamic and accomplished young leaders. Meet Miss Keefia Younge

LFU Board Member and Programs & Projects Committee Coordinator Shona Wright-Halley convened a luncheon with young adults

LFU Board Member Visits Linden and Engages with LFU Youth & Ag Stakeholders

During her recent visit to Guyana, LFU Board Member and Programs & Projects Committee Coordinator Shona Wright-Halley convened a luncheon with young adults affiliated with LFU Guyana Inc. The event, hosted at Tropical Reflections at Five Corners near the LFU Building in Linden, provided a valuable opportunity for engagement and networking among our youth stakeholders. Attendees included LFU partner-farmer Melissa Joseph, new Office Manager Trevon Regis, Volunteer Office Assistant Lyn Leslie, and 2025 agriculture interns Cassandra Smith, Jerrick Rutherford, and Naranda Lyte. Also present were 2023 agriculture interns Keedia Schultz and Keefia Younge. In addition to the luncheon, Ms. Wright-Halley was on hand to participate in the distribution of bursaries for close to 45 secondary- and primarily-level students who received support of their academic pursuits across various programs. These activities reflect LFU Guyana Inc.’s mission to cultivate youth leadership, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen community development.

Support LFU’s work in Linden

Your Membership Matters!

Support LFU’s work in Linden, Region 10 by becoming a contributing member. Your annual contribution of $75 plays a vital role in helping LFU sustain and grow its mission and vision. Please support our work by making a generous contribution. After more than 25 years of service to Linden, Region 10, there is still much for LFU Guyana Inc. to accomplish, with your support.