1st National Children’s Conference focuses on mental health, abuse prevention

Guyana hosted its first-ever National Children’s Conference on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), bringing together more than 200 children from across the country to discuss issues central to their safety, wellbeing, and future.
The landmark event was organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). It marked a historic step in amplifying the voices of children and ensuring their direct involvement in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Children between the ages of 9 and 16 participated, including those from Regions Three, Four, and Six, as well as children in foster care, state care facilities, and those living with disabilities and special needs.
The sessions created opportunities for children to share experiences, ask questions, and make recommendations to policymakers, while also exposing them to resources available for their protection.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud underscored the significance of the conference, explaining that it was designed to ensure children feel both heard and empowered.
“This is about giving children the space to speak, to understand their worth and to realise that no matter their background, they have a future filled with possibilities,” Dr Persaud said.
In her remarks, the minister also urged the participants to recognise and embrace their rights as children, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions about their lives.
“You have the right to choose just as you have the right to education, to health, to survival, and to every other opportunity out there,” she told them.
She further stressed that many children continue to suffer from various forms of abuse in Guyana.
“Many children experience violence, many children experience abuse, and that abuse can be sexual abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, and sometimes all of these things combined affect a single child,” Dr Persaud said.
The minister also reminded the participants of the services available through the ministry, including the 914 hotline, which can be used to report cases of abuse.
Breakout sessions during the conference focused on themes such as children’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and wellbeing, inclusion and accessibility, and responsible use of social media. Children were cautioned about the dangers of online platforms and encouraged to use social media wisely.
Adding to the interactive sessions, a career exhibition was staged to introduce participants to diverse job opportunities and inspire them to chart meaningful career paths.
Officials from the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Rights of the Child Commission, and UNICEF were present to support the event.
Dr Persaud noted that the conference should become an annual event, potentially rotating across regions to guarantee broader participation.
“This must not be a one-time event. We want every child to know what resources are available to them and to recognise their role in building a safer, stronger society,” she said.
The inaugural conference was held under the theme “Empowering Children for a Safer Future”.