Appreciate our differences – Min. Norton
― Rastafarian Core Group benefits from Diversity Education and Inclusion Training
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Several members from the Rastafarian Core Group are participating in a Diversity Education and Inclusion training workshop, which commenced this morning at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.
Undertaken by the Department of Social Cohesion, this two-day initiative aims to educate stakeholders of their role in promoting cohesion in the country which includes nurturing individuals and fostering community relationships that help to build a unified country.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton said that this initiative encourages participants to be introspective while learning to appreciate differences in others.
“We are here today to promote love, fairness, acceptance regardless of our differences… We believe that understanding one’s self and being fully comfortable in one’s own skin is the only way for us to appreciate and understand the beauty of our diversity; not just as Guyanese, but as human beings.”
Minister Norton noted that over the years, the Rastafarian community has steadfastly promoted and practised the important message of equality rather than superiority.
It was highlighted that the department is working with a few established Rastafarian groups such as Nation of Rastafari, Twelve Tribes of Israel among others to achieve its goal of a cohesive nation.
Acting Programme Coordinator, Natasha Singh-Lewis, reminded the participants of the objectives of the workshop. She noted that the sessions will enable the participants to acquire self-knowledge, to understand and appreciate diversity beyond the boundaries of race and ethnicity and to learn about the challenges associated with our diverse Guyanese population.
The department has hosted several Diversity Education and Inclusion Training Workshops across the country. These sessions involve stakeholders from faith-based and women’s groups, senior secondary school students, regional officers, members of civil society and community development officers.
Neola Damon.
Image: Giovanni Gajie.