Govt to undertake initiative targeting social issues in new year – Pres Ali

– as Salvation Army launches Christmas Kettle

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday indicated that the Government will be collaborating with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to undertake a special programme in 2024 aimed at tackling social issues.
The Head of State related that one such NGO is the Salvation Army while noting that the initiative will target particularly school-aged youth with the aim of addressing prevalent social challenges affecting them.
In addition, it will equip young minds with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of contemporary society.
This was unveiled during his address at the launch of the Annual Salvation Army Kettle at Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. Expressing deep concern about the current state of schools, he emphasised the need for proactive measures by all stakeholders in society.
He voiced his dismay at the disturbing incidents observed on social media, stating, “We now have to proactively deal with what is happening in our schools. I am intensely disturbed by some of what I see on social media. It bothers me. We have to nip this in the bud, and there must be consequences for bad behaviour.”
In addition, he proposed a National Day of Prayer while stressing the shared responsibilities of all citizens in fostering positive change.
“My dear friends, as a country, we must pray for our global family. As a country, we must set aside a day, before the end of this year, when we lock our hands together in prayer for us as a people, and as a country, and in prayer for the world, especially our women and our children,” the President underscored.
However, the Head of State acknowledged the Salvation Army’s vital role in providing hope and assistance to those in need.
He underscored the importance of organisations such as the Salvation Army in a world where countless lives are marred by tragedy, referencing recent incidents of violence in Gaza, the United States, Haiti, and even Guyana.
‘’That is why institutions like the Salvation Army are so important to our society, that when there seems to be a complete loss of hope, hopelessness seems to be the overarching umbrella through which the world covers, there must be an inner sense and an inner desire, and an inner spirit that speak to the people.”
Meanwhile, as is tradition, the Salvation Army’s red kettles will be stationed at various locations across the country thus symbolising hope and generosity during the festive season.
Funds collected through this campaign will support the Salvation Army’s charitable efforts, providing assistance to the most vulnerable members of society.