About GEMS
Biography/Historical Background
GEMS International Cultural Association Inc. is a registered, non-profit organization committed to investing in our community by maximizing leadership development and educational advancement in our youth. Our Mission Statement is to empower our youth to become responsible contributors in their community, uplift their self-esteem, promote social awareness and leadership skills, as well as honour them for their academic and community excellence.
The concept of GEMS was born in the realization that our youth are the gems of our community and to focus that vision around the young men and women who benefit from it. Our strength as an organization comes from the combination of our shared values, vision and purpose.
Objectives
Mrs. Desirée Amour-Longe, GEMS founder, who passed away in 2011, viewed the Association as a means to raise the bar in our community, showcase talent and produce events that embraced her vision. As part of GEMS’ continued contribution to the community, our plan is to help facilitate the empowerment of our youth through education assistance by awarding post-secondary students with academic bursaries.
Past Events
Over the last two decades and counting, GEMS has showcased hundreds of intelligent young men and women in the community under the umbrellas of:
· The Guyana Canada Pageant Cultural Association;
· Scholarship Recognition Awards;
· The Cotillion Ball;
· Mother’s Day Brunch;
· Golf Tournament;
· Dinner, Fashion Show and Dance; and
· Dinner and Dance
At each of these events, Bursary Awards were presented to the successful recipients and the achievements of the youths involved were highlighted.
