Culture of unity from the classroom up

The launch of the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) second Harmony Club Pilot at St Gabriel’s Primary School is an important step in cultivating a generation of Guyanese who value inclusivity, respect, and coexistence. At a time when global and local societies continue to grapple with divisions rooted in ethnicity, religion, and social class, initiatives such as these serve as crucial instruments in shaping the national consciousness toward peace and tolerance.
The Harmony Club initiative, a collaboration between the ERC and the Ministry of Education, is a social investment in the country’s human capital. It seeks to guide children to understand and appreciate the essence of Guyana’s cultural diversity, instilling in them the principle that strength lies in unity. In a plural society such as Guyana’s, this message bears particular significance. The goal is to make cultural literacy and mutual respect integral parts of the educational experience, not as an afterthought but as a foundation for national development.
The ERC’s Chairman, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, underscored a simple yet powerful truth during the launch: “We are all equal and should treat each other with respect.” These words go beyond moral instruction; they highlight the fundamental philosophy behind the Commission’s mandate. Inculcating respect and equality within the school environment ensures that the next generation enters adulthood with a deeper appreciation for Guyana’s multicultural fabric. If peace, unity, and love are nurtured in the classroom, they are more likely to manifest within communities and, ultimately, across the nation.
As Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development), Volika Jaikishun, noted, initiatives like the Harmony Club have long-term benefits that transcend ethnic harmony; they also combat harmful social behaviours such as bullying and discrimination. When children are taught empathy, tolerance, and kindness from a young age, schools become safer and more inclusive spaces for all learners. These lessons, though simple in expression, have profound implications for building a more just and cohesive society.
The Headmistress of St Gabriel’s Primary, Shonnette Pompey, expressed optimism about the club’s potential to transform school culture. Her remarks reflected the understanding that mutual respect and compassion among pupils are not only desirable values but also essential to maintaining a healthy learning environment. The call for children to “treat each other with respect and compassion regardless of race, creed, or economic background” reinforces the need to bridge social divides that can, if left unchecked, harden into barriers within the broader society.
Beyond awareness, through activities, cultural exchanges, and guided discussions, students are encouraged to explore the similarities and differences that make up the Guyanese identity. Such experiential learning provides young people with the tools to think critically about diversity and their roles in maintaining harmony within their communities. Importantly, these clubs create safe spaces where difficult but necessary conversations about ethnicity, inclusion, and identity can take place constructively.
The pilot programme’s phased expansion to other schools demonstrates a careful and measured approach. By testing engagement strategies and evaluating outcomes before national rollout, the ERC and the Ministry of Education are taking a pragmatic path to ensure the initiative’s sustainability and effectiveness. This model of pilot testing and refinement also signals institutional maturity, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based policymaking.
As a constitutional body mandated to promote good relations among all ethnic groups, the ERC has a unique responsibility to lead by example. Yet, fostering harmony cannot be the Commission’s task alone. It must be viewed as a shared civic duty that calls for consistent reinforcement in schools, communities, workplaces, and institutions of governance.
Guyana’s strength lies in its diversity, a fact often celebrated but not always fully embraced. The real test of nationhood is not in the coexistence of multiple groups under one flag, but in the daily practice of unity, respect, and understanding. If the values taught in these clubs take root, they will help to define a generation that views it as a source of pride and strength.
The ERC’s Harmony Club initiative, therefore, deserves support.