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Home economists concerned about breakdown in family values in Guyana
– Disappointed in response by relevant ministries, traditional institutions
Home economics is more than putting a cake in the oven and tasting after to ensure it’s palatable. It is more than knowing which pieces of fabric require the use of bleach.
Members of the Guyana Association of Home Economists
Home Economics provides knowledge and skills to assist families to manage social, health and economic inequalities. It assists in developing abilities to manage everyday life challenges which may lead to valuable outcomes.
This was explained by a group of home economists at a press conference last Friday which was held at the Carnegie School of Home Economics.
The team comprised Mrs. Penelope Harris, Principal of Carnegie School of Economics, Mrs. Janice Maison, Consultant to Guyana Association of Home Economists (GAHE), Norma Washington, also a consultant of GAHE, and Stacie Skinner, President of GAHE and Lois Moseley, GAHE Treasurer.
Before the question and answer segment with members of the media, Skinner gave a brief history on the GAHE and its parent organization, the Caribbean Association of Home Economists (GAHE).
The GAHE President explained that the GAHE is a non-governmental organization of over 500 members from the Caribbean, Guyana, Belize and to the lesser extent North America.
The conference is held biennially and its 21st Biennial Meeting and Conference will be hosted by Guyana in March, 2015.
The Guyana Association of Home Economists is the local body responsible for planning, organizing and executing this event with the support of other stakeholders. Traditionally, the meetings are geared towards providing opportunities for the participation of more members in conducting the business of the association.
The Conference is an avenue for examining topical issues thus enhancing professional development of members and associates, while providing networking opportunities.
The meetings rotate around the Caribbean and it is the third time it is being held in Guyana. The theme for the conference next year will be, “Community Partnership for economic and social empowerment of families through Home Economics.”
The theme was fashioned out of the plan for celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the International year of the Family (IYF), 2014.
Some of the issues emanating from the theme and which will be discussed include; financial literacy, Home Economics skills for life, capacity building and intergenerational solidarity.
According to the GAHE team, it is envisaged that the holding of the conference in Guyana will increase public awareness of the many facets of Home Economics inclusive of the honing of practical skills for home making.
The home economists explained that Guyana has managed to reap many benefits from being a participant of the GAHE.
After expounding on some of the notable benefits which extend to the classroom, they were asked to give their take as to whether they believe that there has been a breakdown in the management of the Guyanese family.
To this, the President of GAHE said, “Yes I believe that there is a serious breakdown in Guyana but we can do a lot to help and it comes back to the fact that we really need to go back to the basics.”
When asked whether she was pleased with the work done by several institutions which have responsibility for family issues in Guyana she said, “No I am not pleased. In fact we are disappointed in the work done by the traditional organizations…When it comes to several issues in the home which can lead to some of the tragedies we see in our society today, we have the expertise to deal with it and to help families.”
“It comes back to us having an appreciation for Home economists and what we can offer. We are hardly ever recognized or called upon and the non professionals, for want of a better word are called to do our job.”
Another member then added, “However we will make efforts to make ourselves more visible out there, so the public can know who we are and what we can do.”
The Carnegie Principal added, “We know our influence in the classroom is big but we are disappointed with what is happening within the Guyanese family structure and we are disappointed in the manner in which it is being dealt with by some of our traditional institutions.”
Harris said that it is hoped that the perception of Home Economics is changed and she hopes that the various Ministries and other organizations recognize the need to have Home Economists be a part of their plans in improving the Guyanese family.
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