Gov’t reaffirms pledge to strengthen families –as International Day of Families is observed

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, May 15, 2017

Guyana joined the rest of the world, today, to observe International Day of the Families, under the theme “Families, Education, Wellbeing.”

Speaking at the launch of the International Day of the Families, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally reaffirmed government’s commitment towards developing families. The event was held at the Ministry of Social Protection, Water and Cornhill Streets location.

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally addressing the gathering at the launch of the International Day of the Families

Minister Ally explained to the gathering that the well-being of families is high on the agenda of development priorities. She said this is on the frontline of the national efforts to realise the inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We will continue to invest in programmes and policies that will seek to empower families and create the conditions in which strong cohesive families can flourish because strong families are building blocks of strong communities, and strong communities are the building blocks of a strong nation,” Minister Ally said.

The Minister added that her Ministry will also continue to work with partners to identify policy oriented goals and the required resources to enhance the development process of family life. She said special emphasis will be placed on children and young people to equip them for the future. Similarly, expanding access to high quality early childhood education is also an important investment since it is impossible to develop as a nation without it.

“Every investment made towards the development of the social and physical environment of the family is an investment in the future ‘human capital’ of our nation. Promoting the health, nutrition, education, safety, and prosperity of the family is key to ensuring the survival and productivity of Guyana,” the Minister underlined.

Further, the Minister highlighted that her Ministry will continue to provide service oriented systems to protect the rights and well-being of family members who are victims of violence.

The ministry will also support families in parenting, and in imparting core values, the significance of education, and advocacy with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), communities, and members of the private sector to recognise the importance of maintaining the family unit while promoting a safe, stable and nurturing family environment for all members, the minister said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson for the National Commission for the family, Sandra Hooper said the country’s development is highly dependent on the family.

Hooper said, “The family is a pivotal institution under which society develops its strength. It provides for protection and well-being of members of society who are protected by the laws of the country, including international conventions which Guyana has signed and ratified.”

Hooper stated that the family is a universal feature of every society and of every ethnicity; therefore Guyanese should appreciate the importance of happy families which leads to happy communities, and ultimately a happy country.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

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