Linden students benefit from anti-suicide campaign
― students to receive one-on-one counselling
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, November 14, 2019
Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Hon. Simona Broomes has embarked on an anti-suicide campaign in Linden.
The campaign, which was launched today under the theme, ‘Suicide never, my life has purpose’ saw the minister visiting the New Silver City Secondary School, Wisburg Secondary and the Mackenzie High School. She took the opportunity to engage students and teachers on the need to collaborate to ensure suicide is rooted out.
In her interactive address, the minister touched on several factors that can lead to suicide, such as bullying, abuse, teenage pregnancy, and financial challenges, amongst others. She also gave anecdotes on how she would have positively dealt with some of these issues. She urged the youths to believe in themselves.
“I believe in change, and I know that you are the change. Together, we are going to make a difference starting with the school, in the community and as we spread across Guyana,” she said.
After students engaged her on challenges they were facing, Minister Broomes committed to returning to the Wisburg Secondary School to host additional sessions. She encouraged the students to practice introspection to realise self-worth, and reminded that they “are as smart and can excel equally as students from top premier high schools”.
Over at the Mackenzie High School, the Youth Affairs urged the students to work towards academic success and urged that they not to succumb to peer pressure. She assured that support is available, noting that there are more positive ways to resolve challenges.
“I am here to tell you that we are committed; we are going to walk the walk with you. I am here to tell you don’t give up… I want you to repeat after me – ‘I am not alone, we are not alone, you are not alone,” the minister exhorted the students.
Citing the many successes the school has seen, most recently emerging as winners of the JOF Haynes debating competition, Minister Broomes noted that the students have much to be proud.
At Wednesday’s schools’ interaction, Minister Broomes also spoke to some of the students one-on-one and promised to ensure they receive the necessary counselling. The students, in turn, encouraged the minister to continue her campaign.