ERC expands Harmony Clubs to Reg 8, engages stakeholders

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continued the expansion of its youth advocacy footprint with the launch of its Harmony Clubs initiative in Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni) on February 17 and 18, 2026. The outreach was led by Commissioner Reverend Rodwell Porter, Chair (ag) of the Public Relations Sub-Committee, and Commissioner Ras Khafra, who also sits on the Committee. The visit included the establishment of clubs at Mahdia Primary and Micobie Primary Schools, followed by an interactive stakeholders’ meeting at the Micobie benab.
Recognising that the foundation of national unity begins in the classroom, the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, successfully introduced the Harmony Clubs to both institutions. The initiative forms part of the ERC’s broader strategy to cultivate tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation for our diversity among young learners nationwide. Importantly, the Commission emphasises that the Harmony Club programme is being expanded to all administrative regions of Guyana, ensuring that students across the country benefit from structured platforms that promote unity, inclusion and peaceful conflict resolution.

Headmistress of Mahdia Primary School, Tiffani Hinds, welcomed the formation of the Club and endorsed the Commission’s role in supporting the school’s newest addition. Similarly, Headmistress of Micobie Primary, Sheneva Calvan-Peters, praised the initiative, noting its importance to the wider community and expressing appreciation for sustained engagement. Senior Education Officer for Region Eight, Samantha Jordan, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for the programme.
“It is about shaping character, building values and nurturing young people who appreciate diversity and practise tolerance. The Harmony Club provides a structured platform for students to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate our cultural richness and develop the skills needed to resolve conflicts peacefully,” she stated. She further noted that such initiatives help students respect differences and become responsible citizens who contribute positively to Guyana’s development. During the Micobie Harmony Club ceremony, Commissioner Reverend Porter outlined to students and teachers the composition and role of the ERC. He further emphasised that the work of the Commission is grounded in ensuring equal opportunity for all Guyanese, eliminating discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and promoting harmony and good relations among the country’s diverse population. He underscored that these principles are central to national unity and sustainable development. Commissioner Ras Khafra reminded students and teachers that in a diverse country such as Guyana, harmony cannot exist where discrimination persists.
He encouraged participants to focus on shared values rather than perceived differences while cautioning against allowing artificial distinctions to undermine unity, particularly within predominantly Indigenous communities. Both school engagements were attended by representatives of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), including Regional Community Relations Officer Sergeant Rochell Daniels, who expressed support for the formation of the clubs. More than 60 students from Grades Three to Five are expected to participate in the two clubs, where they will be empowered to serve as “Harmony Ambassadors”. Through interactive sessions, students will be encouraged to embrace tolerance and mutual respect as integral components of their educational and personal development.
The Harmony Club initiative commenced in 2025 with five Georgetown primary schools participating in the pilot phase, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The continued expansion into Region Eight and beyond reflects the Commission’s firm commitment to strengthening social cohesion and promoting harmonious relations across every region of Guyana. In addition to the school launches, the Commissioners and ERC team met with residents and community leaders from Micobie, El Paso and neighbouring villages during a Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Micobie Benab.
The forum provided an important platform for open dialogue between the Commission and village representatives, including El Paso Chairperson Jinette Singh and Micobie Toshao Julie Singh. Participants shared concerns regarding social cohesion and offered constructive recommendations to enhance ethnic relations within their communities. Such engagements enable the ERC to integrate local perspectives into its national strategies aimed at promoting harmony and good relations throughout Guyana.