THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commenced, in Guyana, a new work programme which will cover the next five years.

The ogranisation’s work programme was launched at the Marriott Hotel on Monday, in the presence of Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Marks Phillips; UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jean Gough; UNICEF’s Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Nicholas Pron; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira.

Present from the diplomatic corps were British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller; United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; and High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr. K.J Srinivasa.
Prime Minister Phillips expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for its work in Guyana that has help to lay the foundation a safe and healthy future for children.

The Prime Minister said the government wants to develop a nation where children are safer, free from all forms of abuse, benefit from quality education, healthcare and safe spaces for religious, cultural and religious activities.

As it relates to education, the Prime Minister said the government recognises the challenges parents face in Guyana and has since implemented a number of programmes to ensure each child has access to quality education.
He assured the representatives of UNICEF that they will have the government’s full support, as they execute this new work programme.

UNICEF’s Regional Director said her time in Guyana has been enlightening, since she has seen significant improvements in a number of areas that affect children, particularly education.

She said that the meeting with President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister Phillips was fruitful, and that she was heartened to hear that every child will be given the opportunity to meet their full potential.

Gough said she is inspired by the targets set by the government, and is committed to ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow and be protected from abuse and poverty.