IN a move to foster unity, acceptance, and respect among young learners, the Guyana Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) officially launched its first-ever Harmony Club at Stella Maris Primary School on Woolford Avenue on Wednesday.
The pilot initiative is the first step in a nationwide program aimed at instilling values of harmony and inclusion in students, with plans to expand to nine additional schools in Georgetown and ultimately every school across Guyana by 2026.
Speaking at the launch, ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeen-Ul-Hack emphasised the importance of teaching harmony from an early age. “This afternoon is about smiling, being happy with each other, and showing love and respect,” he said. “Some of us are Christians, Hindus, or Muslims. Guyana has multiple religions and races. Knowing and respecting this diversity strengthens unity.”

Mr. Ul-Hack highlighted the impact of simple acts of kindness, citing a photograph that circulated after an explosion on Regent and King Street in Georgetown. “We are all children. We felt sad about the explosion… She is our daughter, our sister, a Guyanese related to all of us,” he said, underscoring the shared humanity that binds the nation.
He also stressed the importance of early education at home. “Who is your first teacher? Your mother. Your first school? Your home. Respect your first teacher and your first school, and bring that respect to your second school and teachers. Treat everyone with respect, the man selling snow cones, your friends, and classmates. What you give to others is what you receive,” Mr. Ul-Hack stated.
The Harmony Club initiative seeks to cultivate love, peace, and unity among students. “Help others, do not hurt others. When you practice harmony at school, it spreads to the community,” he added, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Deputy Chief Education Officer, the headmistress, and school staff for their support.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development) Volika Jaikishun reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the program and encouraged students to set an example. “Respect your first teacher and home, and bring that respect to your second school and teachers. Respect all persons, including children from other schools, neighbours, and the community. Showing respect and love builds a peaceful, happy country,” she said.
Dwijendra Rooplall, Head of the ERC’s Public Education and Awareness Unit, noted that the pilot at Stella Maris Primary is part of a broader plan inspired by schools in Canada, where the concept of Harmony Grounds was first introduced.
“We were given permission from the Ministry of Education to start our pilot with five schools. One of those schools is Stella Maris Primary, where we are today. From the inception, the headmistress, the deputy headmistress, and the teachers have been very welcoming and supportive of this initiative,” he said.
By beginning with young children, the ERC aims to instil values of tolerance, cohesion, and kindness that will carry forward into society. Through the expansion of Harmony Clubs nationwide, the commission envisions a generation of students who embrace diversity, practice empathy, and contribute to a more harmonious Guyana.