Children must be equipped to take over the reins of leadership – President Granger says at first ever Children’s Forum
Georgetown, Guyana – (November 20, 2017) As Guyana joins the rest of the world in the observance of Universal Children’s Day, the Ministry of Social Protection in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Child Care and Protection Agency hosted the first ever Children’s Forum at the Ramada Princess Hotel. This event, which was attended by President David Granger, saw the participation of primary school students from various schools across the 10 Administrative Regions.
The programme was chaired by these two smartly-dressed youngsters.
The Head of State, in his brief remarks, reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to the protection and education of Guyana’s children, noting that they must be presented with the necessary opportunities to ensure that they are equipped to take over the reins of leadership in the next 10 to 20.
“Our Administration has a motto; Every Child In School [ECIS]. We want to make sure that the children of this country get the best possible preparation. We are very happy to hear these voices and I hope that in future years we will not only have these forums but that it will be hosted in different parts of the country,” the President said.
He commended the relevant ministries and government agencies for launching this innovative way of encouraging communication on social issues that plague households,
These students of the C. V. Nunes Primary School on the Essequibo Coast educating us on the various forms of pollution, a serious issue affecting their Region.
families and communities between those in authority, parents and the children, who themselves are the nation’s future.
At today’s event, through drama, poetry and music, the children brought to the fore, issues such as domestic violence, abuse, alcoholism, illiteracy, poverty, poor infrastructure and the emotional trauma that children around the country are forced to endure as a result of these societal ills.
The event, which was held under the theme ‘The Voices of our Children: Standing Strong and Speaking out’, was also attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland and several Government Ministers including Minister Joseph Harmon, Minister Amna Ally, Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister Simona Broomes, Minister Winston Felix, Minister Ronald Bulkan, Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister Catherine Hughes and Minister Karen Cummings.
Universal Children’s Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving their welfare.
The children were very eager to have the Head of State’s autograph in their notebooks.
The children were very eager to have the Head of State’s autograph in their notebooks.
Sheet Anchor Primary School students performing a calypso entitled “Children’s Plight”.
A section of the gathering at the Ramada Princess Hotel.