SCORES of young persons flocked the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last Friday, to attend a Moral and Standards Rally held under the theme: ‘Make a Difference’ (M.A.D). Organsed by the ‘Thought for Action Ministries’ with the aim of highlighting the need for renewed, high moral standards in society, the programme featured cultural presentations, and more importantly, messages from various religious and youth leaders.
According to the founder of the Thought for Action Ministries, Ms. Yvonne Arthur, the target group included students from Grade six onwards, youth groups and all interested young persons.
As to the purpose of the event, she said: “This is about the revival of morals and standards, this is the fourth such event here in Georgetown and  the  aim is to have children and  young people appreciate the  need for high moral standards and the importance  of practising this at home, at school or in their communities.”
She noted too that the goal is to prompt a change in young people’s thoughts and actions, which will eventually bring about a decline in immoral behaviour.
“We are hoping that somewhere there will be a definite decline in immoral, in(sic) appropriate behaviour among young people, as we have seen lawlessness, corruption, cheating, drop outs, teenage pregnancy. We know we cannot eradicate these behaviour patterns but we can make a dent in what is going on and to bring to people’s attention that there is a group of persons networking to support them,” she highlighted.
Arthur explained that this programme is also featured in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and will soon be introduced in Region 10, to also effect a change in young people’s behaviour patterns and decision-making skills there.
The organising committee comprises representatives from a wide cross section of society, including from the East and West Christian Centre, Dominion House Ministries, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Education.
Alluding to the impact this activity has had in the past, Arthur said that follow-up visits and exercises are conducted with the targeted groups, and these have indicated a definite change in behaviour patterns.
“We have seen a difference, when we walk down the roads or visit the schools we can see the changes in the way the young people speak and act.” She said.
She reiterated that there is a definite need for more such activities, which will eventually contribute to a better society for all Guyanese to live in.
Arthur noted that Friday’s attendance of youths from several schools and youth groups is testimony to the fact that young people across the country have a definite interest in the revival of morals and standards.