Role of family pivotal to nation’s well-being – Minister Webster

May 16, 2014 News

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… as Guyana joins in celebrating Int’l Day for families 

Guyana yesterday joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Day for Families, under the United Nations declaration of 1993.  May 15 has been designated United Nations International Day for Families and has been celebrated by countries around the world for the past 20 years.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster in her address to the National Assembly, said this year the day is being celebrated under the theme “Families Matter for the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals”.
“Such a bold assertion must not be trivialised or dismissed as impracticable. Indeed the undeniable fact remains that the family is the very foundation of every human society,” she told the House.
The Minister pointed out that the first eight Millennium Development goals (MDGs) represent a road map for human and social development. These MDGs are, MDG 1 – Overcoming Poverty and Hunger, MDG 2 – Universal Primary Education, MDG 3 – Gender Equality, MDG 4 – Child Mortality, MDG 5- Maternal Health, MDG 6 – Combat HIV/AIDS and Other Diseases, MDG 7 – Environmental Sustainability and, MDG 8 – Global Partnerships.
To this end, the Minister pointed out that the National Commission for the Family in Guyana, considers the achievement of these goals as a national imperative, but contends and concurs that their achievement is contingent on the deliberate and sustainable strengthening of the family.
Minister Webster stated that in order to achieve MDG 1- Overcoming Poverty and Hunger requires the active involvement of the family.
“It is the developmental and empowerment opportunities provided to local communities; who in turn work towards finding the solutions to their unique problems and challenges that is most effective in overcoming poverty and hunger.”
The Human Services Minister added that it is the empowerment of families through the provision of adequate resources and education that eradicates poverty, and sets the socio-economical foundation for future generations.
“The achievement of Universal Primary Education is one of the MDGs which Guyana can boast of having virtually achieved.”
It is for this reason; the Minister said the National Commission for the Family believes that the family plays a very critical role in a child’s education.
“The accomplishment of this goal of “primary education for every child” depends greatly on the partnership amongst parents, families, governments and educators working together in support of the family unit, and the educational development of our children.”
Minister Webster however, noted that while the commitment of Government to education delivery is commendable as evidenced by the significant budgetary allocation to the education sector, nothing is as effective in securing the educational needs of the nation’s children, like a supportive family environment and parental involvement in the educational wellbeing of our children.
“Having a stable and empowering home and family environment is critically necessary for the educational development of children.”
According to Minister Webster MDG 3, Gender Equality also requires for its achievement, the active involvement of the family.
She further informed the National Assembly that MDGs four and five speak to reduction of child mortality and maternal health.  She added that the primary health care needs of children are first met within the context of the family. To this end she alluded to the fact that the National Commission of the Family advocates that stronger partnerships be built between the family and the neonatal and post natal health services providers, with a very strong focus on education for families.
“It is vital that information and education be made available to families through a family-centered approach to reducing child and newborn mortality and morbidity as well as maternal mortality.”
As it relates to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Minister noted that the family is at the very forefront for its success.
Quoting Terrence D. Olson, Ph.D she read, “Those who take family life seriously are our greatest allies in the fight against AIDS…. Those voluntary organisations, including religious ones, who teach abstinence and family commitment, should be encouraged, not criticised…. Moral commitments to family life are fundamental.”
Again the Minister noted that the National Commission for the Family further recognises that the vital care and support required for those living with and affected by HIV/ Aids can best be provided by the family.
“Hence, an appeal is made to families within which they are members affected by this disease, that education be sought as to how to provide the very critical and necessary support needed by those affected.”
On this note, the Minister took the opportunity to commend the work of the National Aids Programme Secretariat for the role it has played in the national drive on this issue.
“It is truly an undeniable fact that the role of the family in a nation is pivotal and fundamental to a nation’s health and wellbeing. Equally important therefore, would be the contribution of the family to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. In conclusion, family really matters.”

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