ERC expands Harmony Clubs to Region 8

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has extended its youth engagement efforts with the introduction of Harmony Clubs in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), during a two-day outreach. The initiative, led by Commissioner Reverend Rodwell Porter, acting Chair of the Public Relations Sub-Committee and Commissioner Ras Khafra, on February 17 and 18, saw the establishment of Clubs at Mahdia Primary and Micobie Primary Schools, followed by a stakeholders’ meeting at the Micobie benab. The Harmony Clubs, launched in collaboration with the Education Ministry, aim to foster tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation for diversity among students.

Over 60 students from Grades Three to Five are expected to participate, serving as “Harmony Ambassadors” and engaging in activities that promote peaceful conflict resolution and social cohesion. Headmistress of Mahdia Primary, Tiffani Hinds welcomed the initiative, while Micobie Primary’s Headmistress, Sheneva Calvan-Peters, highlighted its importance for the wider community. Senior Education Officer for Region Eight, Samantha Jordan, emphasised that the programme helps students develop values, respect differences and become responsible citizens contributing to Guyana’s development. During the Micobie ceremony, Commissioner Porter explained the ERC’s role in promoting equality, eliminating discrimination and fostering harmony among the country’s diverse population. Commissioner Khafra encouraged students and teachers to focus on shared values and cautioned against allowing divisions to undermine unity, particularly in Indigenous communities. Representatives of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) including Regional Community Relations Officer Sergeant Rochell Daniels, also attended the school sessions and expressed support for the Clubs. The Harmony Club initiative began in 2025 with a pilot in five Georgetown primary schools and is now being expanded to all administrative regions to provide students nationwide with structured platforms for dialogue and cultural appreciation. In addition to school visits, the ERC team held a stakeholders’ meeting in Micobie, engaging residents and community leaders from Micobie, El Paso and neighbouring villages. The forum allowed participants, including El Paso Chairperson, Jinette Singh and Micobie Toshao Julie Singh, to discuss social cohesion challenges and offer recommendations to strengthen ethnic relations locally.