Faith-based leaders participate in Govt conflict resolution training

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry hosted a one-day conflict resolution session, which is a part of the Government’s series of “train the trainers” programme, an initiative tailored for Support and Heal Network’s (SHN) representatives and the Ministry’s staff who will be providing support and counselling to vulnerable groups and communities across Guyana.
The workshop, which was held over the weekend at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, was facilitated by staff from the Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB).
Over 30 faith-based leaders attended the session. Speaking at the event, Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud underscored the significance of resolving conflict since “little things can be blown out of proportion, and cause rupture in our society.”
“Support is a very powerful word. Many persons find themselves in very difficult circumstances, and they have no support. Without support, things can escalate very quickly, from the lack of support they can become violent. Without support, people can spiral quickly into depression. Without a network of persons, sometimes people feel as if they’re alone in the world,” Persaud noted.
She explained that she believes the sessions will address some of the key elements of social issues.
Additionally, Persaud encouraged the faith-based leaders to first understand the individual and to attempt to see matters from their perspective as conflicts often cloud a person’s judgement.
“Understanding is a very tough thing to achieve. You might have a world of respect, but you may not understand another’s perspective. But, our mandate after this training will be to heal in a tangible way. Heal with empathy and compassion,” Persaud charged.
Established in September 2020, the SHN was conceptualised to enable faith-based leaders to promote peace and harmony, make recommendations and devise strategies to effectively support the Ministry’s work on social issues.
Religious organisations which participated in the programme were Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana; Guyana Islamic Trust; Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Guyana Pandits Council; Guyana Central Arya Samaj; Anglican Diocese Guyana; Roman Catholic Church of Guyana; Assemblies of God; New Testament Church of God; Revealed Word Christian Centre; Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana; The Salvation Army of Guyana; The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints; Guyana Rastafari Council; Maha Sabha; National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Guyana; Guyana United Apostolic Mystical Council; Full Gospel Church – Guyana; Guyana Presbyterian Church; Guyana Lutheran Church; Guyana Brethren Church; Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman.