–as Social Cohesion takes sensitisation workshop to Linden

SOME 113 young people from six Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) youth clubs and student nurses enrolled at the Charles Roza School of Nursing on Friday participated in a Ministry of Social Cohesion’s sensitisation workshop.

The workshop, which was held in collaboration with the Young and Thoughtful Youth Club, is the second of its kind in the region, and the third that has been held in the country targeting youth.

The workshop was held in the auditorium of the New Silver City School at Silver City, Linden.

In his address, Minister George Norton commended participants for embracing the session, adding that the Ministry views youths as being critical agents of change, whose choices will inform their futures and impact their peers.
“The youths have a significant role [to play] in fostering social cohesion; it will not be possible if we should leave the youths out, so your role is important.
“It is indispensable, and we want you to recognise that. However, for you to play your part, we want to ensure that you are adequately informed about what social cohesion entails,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Programme Coordinator at the Ministry, Ms. Sharon Patterson, who said that the aim of the workshop is to introduce the youth to concepts that will help them to learn more about themselves, and how to channel their energies and ideas into productive endeavours that will benefit them, their families, communities and the nation.
Town Clerk (Ag) of the Linden Mayor and Town Council, Ms. Oleena Obermuller, also shared the same view as Ms Patterson, and noted that her office embraces the ministry’s initiative, as it also views young people as future leaders. “I hope

that, today, you guys learn as much as possible, and take some little bit from what is being said here and put it into practice,” she said.

Several participants said that the workshop has given them a better understanding of what social cohesion is, and that it will help them to become more compassionate. “I decided to participate in the session in order to gain more knowledge about what is social cohesion,” said Ms Dawn Pearson, a student nurse/midwife at the Charles Roza School of Nursing.
“For me, I will encourage myself and my peers to respect others no matter their religion, their differences, whatever their sexual orientation may be.

“In order to have unity, and in order to have a safe environment, we must all come together,” she added.

Ms. Tishon Fraser, a member of For the Children’s Sake Foundation, said her group is already involved in social cohesion, though on a small scale, and she intends to use the knowledge that she has gained to augment her service.
“In terms of working along with an organisation as a team, we need social cohesion. So, basically, I came to gain enough knowledge, or more knowledge, to continue on that path,”

Fraser said, adding:
“As an organisation, we are more involved with the public and young people, so it places us directly in the position to actually inculcate social cohesion in the minds of the young people who we come into contact with through outreaches, satellite tables and other exercises.”

The workshop also featured several cultural items, including a solo performance of the popular song “Conqueror” by Ms. Akeila Handy; a dance to Jessica Reddy’s “Better” by Ms. Awana Primo; an African-themed dance by Erupt Dance Troup members Ms. Donette Douglas and Ms. Shallon Adams; and a spoken-word piece by Ms. Luela Figueira.

Mr. Leslie Gonsalves, Social Cohesion Officer for the region, Pastor Selwyn Sills, members of Seventh Day Adventist Master Guide Pathfinders Club, the Upwards Days Federation, the Coomacka President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana group and the Totally Moulding Training Centre also attended the workshop.
In addition to the workshop, the ministry will tomorrow be launching its “Inter-Village Exchange Camp” targeting another 160 young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, from 23 communities across Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

On March 1, 2017, the Ministry hosted a sensitisation session for Georgetown youths in collaboration with the Department of Youth, Culture and Sport of the Ministry of Education and, on June 17, 2017, it hosted a Diversity and Inclusion Workshop for Region Ten youth at the Woodrow Telford Auditorium of the Linden Foundation Secondary School in Amelia’s Ward.

(Ministry of the Presidency)