ERC hosts religious exchange to promote interfaith understanding among students

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Monday conducted a religious exchange exercise aimed at promoting interfaith understanding, cultural awareness, and mutual respect among students. The initiative involved 20 students from the newly launched Harmony Club at Stella Maris Primary School. During the guided tour, participants visited three places of worship in Georgetown: the Queenstown Masjid, the Church of the Nazarene on Laluni Street, and the Rama Krishna Dharmic Sabha Mandir in Kitty. The exercise provided students with the opportunity to observe and engage with the practices of Guyana’s major religions. Through guided discussions and direct interaction, the activity aimed to enhance students’ appreciation of different faiths while reinforcing principles of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence.

ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Reverend Rodwell Porter and Pandit Krishn Sharma, representing the Islamic, Christian, and Hindu religious communities on the Commission, were present for the activity. Their participation underscored the Commission’s commitment to interfaith dialogue. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ERC, Gomin Camacho, along with secretariat staff and Stella Maris Primary teachers, also attended. At each location, religious leaders explained the significance of their places of worship and highlighted core values shared across religions, including peace, compassion, and tolerance.
The exchange exercise is part of the ERC’s broader educational outreach and Harmony Club programme, which seeks to promote inclusivity, understanding and respect across cultural and religious lines.