HIV awareness in schools among initiatives planned

Jan 18, 2020 News

… as Region 10 begins Mash preparation

With plans to explore several new initiatives, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 has initiated its preparation for Mash 2020.
This is according to Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Ms. Maylene Stephen, who revealed that already two meetings have been held and the Region is raring to join the rest of Guyana in celebrating Guyana’s 50thRepublic anniversary.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Ms Maylene Stephen

“We have already begun intense planning for this year’s celebration. As a matter of fact we have already met with some of the costume designers as we seek to ensure that all systems are properly in place. After our meetings we decided to select three designers who would be tasked with designing the Region’s costumes and float jointly, which will showcase the theme,” Stephen said. The theme this year is: ‘Guyana Together – Reflect, Celebrate and Transform’. Taking into consideration that Linden was the birthplace for Mashramani, the DREO said that several new initiatives will be executed this year as moves are made to maximize the event through the staging of several activities.
She said that the planning committee has been adequately staffed representing various agencies and departments.
“We are ensuring that all stakeholders are represented, as we want to ensure that no one is left out, and that everything needed for the success of Mash 2020 is achieved,” Stephen said.
Reflecting on last year’s preparation, the DREO recalled that last year the region had planned a HIV sensitization seminar, among several of the secondary schools, with the primary objective being to ensure students and youths are aware of the impact of the disease. She however noted that owing to some glitches with the Regional Educational Officer and his staff, this event unfortunately did not materialize.
“We recognized that several students and teachers were disappointed when we didn’t execute this event, as many students were eager to better understand the impact of HIV and other pertinent information regarding the disease, which is still viewed as one of the world’s worst diseases,” she said.
She expressed the view that HIV information is critically important, but noted that those within the education department have reported on numerous occasions about the many challenges they face.
As she highlighted an increase in social ills, the DREO said that the regional administration is seeking to empower the residents so that they can make more informed choices.
“Last year we were unable to execute this project, but I can confirm that this year it is on our calendar and will be treated with priority, as we want to ensure that while there will be a lot of celebration, the public, including our children, is cognizant that they must be responsible if they engage in sexual activities as we don’t want to increase the number of infections. We value them and remain confident that these individuals can still make meaningful contributions to society. So we are urging all to attend this event when the date is announced,” the DREO appealed.
Stephen disclosed too that Region 10 will move to add some sporting events to the calendar of activities. This is important, she asserted, because the Region is not only known for its academic achievements but also its cultural and sporting accomplishments. She said that among the events that will be added to the calendar is the Colvin Heath-London National T20 Inter Secondary School Male Cricket Competition.
She disclosed that the regional leg of this competition will get underway later this month. She is confident that despite which school wins the regional leg, it will represent Region 10 nationally in a very impressive way.
“We have talent, we have skills, and we will continue to dominate anything that Region 10 is involved in, as our residents are very supportive of their fellow residents who are involved in anything; that is why Region 10 is one of the most eagerly sought after places to be,” the DREO added.
According to Stephen, a detailed calendar of activities will be released shortly and will include a number of activities that cater for both young and old students.