Latest update June 1st, 2026 12:17 AM
Human Services Ministry hosts training to tackle youth and family violence
— Minister Persaud urges stronger partnerships, early interventions
(Kaieteur News) – The Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Wednesday launched a two-day Youth and Family Violence Training Conference at the Regency Hotel, bringing together 35 professionals from key national agencies to confront the growing challenge of youth and family violence.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindyha Persaud
According to a press release by the ministry, participants include representatives from the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), and officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Education. The training seeks to strengthen partnerships, deepen understanding, and promote coordinated strategies to prevent violence in homes, schools, and communities across Guyana.
Delivering opening remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, stressed that addressing youth and family violence is central to the nation’s social and developmental goals. “This will be a very productive and fruitful session where you, as professionals, can pool your ideas, share creative and innovative suggestions, and collectively move in a strategic direction to eradicate violence among youths,” Minister Persaud said. “Together, we can develop coordinated strategies that drive us toward the same goal.”
She emphasised the importance of tackling the root causes of youth violence from early childhood and urged greater collaboration between communities and institutions. “Violence among youth continues to be a pervasive issue both globally and here in Guyana. To truly gain an in-depth and balanced understanding, we must address the root causes comprehensively — family by family, community by community, and collectively as a nation,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Persaud also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young people through initiatives that foster positivity, inclusion, and resilience. Through its partnership with USAID, the Ministry has introduced the Youth Services Eligibility Tool (YSET) under the Y-RIE programme, which focuses on empowering at-risk youth. Six youth-friendly spaces have already been established nationwide, with a goal of expanding to ten by year’s end. The Ministry has also launched a national anti-bullying and body-shaming campaign in schools to promote self-esteem and positive behaviour among students.
Some of the of the participants
Facilitator Lauristan Choy of the University of Guyana noted that the training aims to improve understanding of family dynamics and strengthen inter-agency coordination. “Youth and family violence present complex challenges that intersect the justice and child protection systems. This initiative seeks to close systemic gaps and create more effective, unified interventions,” Choy explained.
During the opening session, participants engaged directly with Minister Persaud, sharing experiences, insights, and recommendations to guide a unified approach to tackling youth and family violence. The two-day training continues today, with sessions focused on policy coordination, early intervention strategies, and building community resilience.
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- Family Enhancement Services Section, family violence, Human Services Ministry, Violence Training Conference
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