Twenty-three students from Baramita, Region One are in the capital city – Georgetown – on a familiarization tour – learning more about their country. The students, the majority of whom are gearing up to write the National Grade Six Examination, arrived in the city on Sunday, and were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Indigenous

Peoples’ Affairs and the Pan America Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The tour is designed to boost the children’s self-esteem and simultaneously increase their knowledge, skills and attitude in relation to social and economic issues facing Guyana. Jennifer Williams, Senior Mistress of the Baramita Primary said the aim of the tour is to allow the students the opportunity to become more aware of their country, other than where they live.
Initially, the trip only targeted Grade Six students; however, a few others from lower classes were chosen. According to Williams, the children are very excited to be in the capital city, explaining that for many of them; it is their first trip to the city. In addition to Williams, they are accompanied by another teacher and three parents.
Already they had the privilege of meeting President David Granger and Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. They have also visited the National Communications Network (NCN), the Botanical Gardens, Bank of Guyana and the National Library.
Community Liaison Officer Virgil Ferreira said that he is excited to be accompanying the students because a lot of negative things have been coming out of Baramita, and “we are trying to rebuild.” He said that the youths in Baramita need attention, and this is just one of many initiatives that will be organised to target them. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the students are expected to visit a number of schools around Georgetown, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Parliament Building, the National Museum, and monuments among other public places. The students will also participate in a workshop session, where they will be educated on self-awareness and self-esteem, personal hygiene, how to stay healthy and suicide prevention. They will be returning to their village on Thursday. Baramita is currently battling high suicide rates as well as a general breakdown in the social fabric of the society.