“This manifesto will focus on your needs, rights” – Dr Persaud tells children at policy consultation

– as Govt tackles bullying and other societal issues affecting children

The Government of Guyana is intensifying efforts through coordinated, cross-ministerial initiatives, to confront bullying, reckless driving, and a range of societal issues affecting children.
This was reaffirmed on Monday by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who told a packed room of students, advocates and representatives from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that children will directly shape the policies being designed to protect them. Speaking at a national policy consultation focused on child protection and well-being, Dr Persaud said ongoing engagements between the Ministries of Education, Human Services and Home Affairs—supported technically by UNICEF—are aimed at crafting holistic solutions. She noted that the Government is expanding both in-person and community-based intervention programmes to ensure parents and children can access help when needed.

Children must be heard
Dr Persaud opened her remarks with a direct appeal to the students present, asking how many felt truly listened to. When several hands went up to indicate they often felt unheard, the Minister said the moment illustrated “how much better adults must do.” “It is always important to hear from children what it is they expect from us,” she told the gathering. “Children are not tomorrow or the future—they are our now. They are not too little for their views to matter, and they are not too young to shape the policies we make.” Dr Persaud announced that a Children’s Manifesto—a national document outlining what children want for their lives today and in the future is being developed directly from consultations with young people. “This manifesto will be created by you. It will focus on your thoughts, your needs, your wants,” she told the students. “Children ought to shape the policies that we have in the world of adults.” She referenced the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted globally in 1990, noting that despite decades of commitment, the world still struggles to meet all the rights promised to children: safety, identity, health, education and freedom from discrimination. Guyana, she reminded, has a population in which nearly 30 per cent are children.
“That is a significant percentage,” she said. “You are not only our children today—one day you will be voters, adults, leaders. But we cannot wait until then to invest in you. We must invest now.”

Bullying and safety remain major concerns
The Minister led students in discussions on safety, asking how many felt unsafe or feared bullying. A notable number indicated they had experienced or feared being bullied, while others admitted they felt afraid to tell anyone when something was wrong. “When children confide in you, when they muster up the courage to say something is happening to them, we must take it seriously,” Dr Persaud urged adults in the room. “When we fail to listen, trauma grows—and the effects follow children into adulthood.” She emphasised that every child must be safe, the guiding principle of the Ministry and the Child Protection Agency. Ensuring safety, she said, includes providing accessible education, supportive environments, and adults who actively monitor and respond to children’s needs.
Dr Persaud reminded parents and guardians that rights do not stop at providing access to school. Children must be placed in environments that support learning and emotional well-being. “Everything affects how a child learns,” the Minister said. “It is not only being in school—it is being able to enjoy learning, have friends who support you and have time to think, rest, and play.” The consultation highlighted the gap between what children experience and what adults often assume. Dr Persaud said the insights gathered will be used to strengthen programmes and finalise the Children’s Manifesto, which will guide future Government policy.
UNICEF, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), youth advocates and other partners will continue consultations nationwide as Guyana works to modernise and strengthen its child protection systems.