What We Do

Through peer outreach, capacity building, and training with government service providers, GVPA builds bridges between communities and institutions.

Our Programs

Community-Centered Work in Action

All of GVPA's programs are designed and led by people with lived experience. Our approach is grounded in human rights, peer solidarity, and practical action to create lasting change for sex workers and vulnerable populations in Guyana.

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Peer Outreach

Program 1

Peer Outreach

GVPA conducts regular peer outreach activities in communities across Berbice and Guyana, connecting directly with sex workers and other vulnerable individuals. Our peer outreach teams — made up of community members with lived experience — provide:

  • Health information and referrals to health services
  • Distribution of harm reduction materials
  • Emotional support and non-judgmental listening
  • Information on legal rights and available resources
  • Safe and confidential connections to support networks

We meet people where they are — in communities, on the streets, and in spaces where our members feel safe — removing barriers to access and information.

Program 2

Capacity Building & Training

GVPA invests in the knowledge, skills, and leadership of community members through structured capacity building programs. We believe that empowered communities create lasting change.

Our capacity building activities include:

  • Workshops on human rights, health literacy, and advocacy
  • Leadership development for community members
  • Financial literacy and organizational skills training
  • Training in self-advocacy and navigating social systems
  • Peer educator training to grow outreach capacity

We build from the inside out — strengthening communities so they can sustain advocacy beyond any single organization or program.

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Capacity Building & Training

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Government Service Provider Training

Program 3

Training for Government Service Providers

One of GVPA's most impactful areas of work is training and sensitization sessions delivered to government service providers — healthcare workers, social workers, law enforcement, and other officials who interact with sex workers and vulnerable populations.

These sessions cover:

  • Understanding the realities faced by sex workers in Guyana
  • Reducing stigma, discrimination, and harmful attitudes
  • Rights-based approaches to service delivery
  • How to provide safe, respectful, and confidential services
  • Identifying and addressing barriers to access

By working with the institutions that serve our communities, GVPA helps transform the systems that sex workers must navigate — making services more accessible, dignified, and effective.

Our Approach

Frequently Asked Questions

GVPA's programs are open to all sex workers and vulnerable individuals in Guyana. We serve male, female, and LGBTIQ+ sex workers, as well as others who face stigma and barriers to services. All participation is voluntary and confidential.
Our training sessions with government service providers are collaborative and non-adversarial. We work to build understanding and empathy, drawing on the lived experiences of community members to illustrate real-world challenges and promote more respectful service delivery.
Yes. Confidentiality is a core value of GVPA. All community outreach, support, and participation in our programs is handled with strict respect for privacy and discretion. We do not share personal information without explicit consent.
GVPA welcomes partnerships with health organizations, NGOs, regional networks, and funding bodies that share our commitment to human rights and community-led advocacy. Please reach out via our Contact page to explore collaboration opportunities.

Want to Work With Us?

If you are a health provider, government department, NGO, or community organization interested in partnering with GVPA, we would love to hear from you.

Contact GVPA