ERC to launch rigorous campaign to tackle racism among youths

– over 8000 students from coastal schools were targeted in 2023

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), having underscored the importance of instilling in the younger generation the values of tolerance, respect and appreciation for diverse ethnicities, has announced, through its Chairman Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack, that it would this year be spearheading an intense campaign to tackle racism through schools located throughout Guyana.
“Over the past year, we have reached over 8000 students from coastal schools in the first phase, and this year the model will be extended to all other regions of Guyana. These school visits have provided a crucial opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and change-makers, equipping them with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to create a more harmonious and cohesive society,” the ERC Chairman has explained.
He added that the ERC would be building on last year’s success in fostering dialogue among the diverse ethnic communities across Guyana; and highlighted the commission’s unwavering commitment to promoting harmony among Guyanese in a way that enhances equality between persons of different ethnic groups.

“Through strategic initiatives, including constituency meetings, stakeholder engagements and targeted outreach programmes, the Commission has created the mechanism for Guyanese from all walks of life to come together, share their experiences, and find common ground,” the Chairman has said.

Constituency Meetings and Regional Outreaches
Over the past two months, the ERC has convened ten stakeholder engagements with representatives of the various constituency groupings: namely African, Indian, Indigenous, Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Women, Youth, Private Sector, and Labour; and visited and engaged respective regional officials and residents of communities in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
The ERC has solicited the concerns of each demographic, and has gained feedback and insights into areas in which it could work towards addressing them. Contributions from the various engagements were considered in drafting the Strategic Plan, which is being finalised.

Public Awareness
The ERC has also been deeply committed to promoting cultural exchange and understanding throughout Guyana, having actively participated in various cultural forums, exhibitions, and events to highlight the invaluable contributions of each ethnic group in Guyana.
Among the engagements are the United Nations’ Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, the National Toshaos’ Conference 2023, and the inaugural Ramadan Village.
According to Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack, these events have provided invaluable opportunities to celebrate and honour the diverse traditions, customs and histories that make up the vibrant mosaic of Guyanese culture by participating in these cultural exhibitions and events that reach over 6000 Guyanese, and by spreading awareness of the work of the Commission, and educating the public on principles of respect, harmony, tolerance, and unity across all ethnicities.