OVER 120 individuals from the Port Kaituma district in Region One (Barima-Waini), on Thursday, participated in a Child Labour Awareness Walk organised by the Ministry of Labour.
The event saw participation from a diverse group, including students from Port Kaituma Secondary School, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Community Policing Group, Ministry of Education, Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and the Prime Minister’s representative in the region, among other agencies.

Ms. Gillian Burton Persaud, Ministerial Adviser within the Ministry of Labour, delivered the feature address. She emphasised the importance of eliminating child labour by 2025 and highlighted the current government’s efforts to keep children in school and ensure they have access to education.
Key government initiatives include the “Because We Care” cash grant, which provides each child enrolled in primary and secondary school with $45,000, and the National School Feeding Programme, benefitting nearly 90,000 students across Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour conducts sensitisation sessions and inspections to reduce child labour throughout Guyana.

Through these initiatives, the government aims to alleviate the financial burdens on parents and guardians, ensuring children have the resources needed to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The ultimate goal is to set a solid foundation for their future success and well-being.