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‘Children take the mic’ …voices rise at national conference on World Children’s Day
(Kaieteur News) – UNICEF Guyana in partnership with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Rights of the Child Commission, hosted a Children’s Conference on Monday in observance of World Children’s Day.
The event brought together more than 200 participants, including students from various schools, orphanages, and the Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Key stakeholders from the Ministries of Health, Natural Resources, and Education were also present, UNICEF Guyana said in a release.
A section of the children at the conference.
The conference provided a platform for children to voice the issues affecting them and to share recommendations for strengthening the fulfilment of their rights. Insights gathered from the day’s discussions will support the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in developing a policy document—the Children’s Manifesto—aimed at better serving children across Guyana. World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20. Around the world, children are standing up and talking about their lives, their hopes, and their rights.
Minister of Human Services and Social Secuity, Dr.Vindyha Persaud.
Meanwhile, in brief remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud reminded the children that they are leaders and they should play an active role in shaping the policies that affect them. She also announced the creation of a Children’s Manifesto, capturing ideas and priorities directly from children across Guyana to guide future programmes and decisions. Minister Persaud encouraged children to speak up confidently, especially against bullying, abuse, or discrimination and urged adults to take every disclosure seriously.
She highlighted children’s rights to safety, education, nutrition, and support, while promoting key services such as the 914 hotline, the Parenting and Life Skills Programme, and youth-friendly spaces. “You are leaders today,” she told them. “Your voices matter, and Guyana is listening.” The event was hosted by the Ministry in partnership with UNICEF and the Rights of the Child Commission.
Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, Gabriel Vocke.
Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, Gabriel Vockel said the organisation continues to work with governments across the world to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected, and Guyana is no different. He said since his deployment to Guyana just over a year ago, he has been on the ground interacting with children from across the country, learning about them, and the challenges that confront them with the intention of putting forward solutions. “UNICEF we care deeply about working with governments around the world including of course the government here in Guyana to make sure that we can put in place the right laws, the right methodologies, the right envelope of money to ensure that the solutions for children can become real,” Vockel said.
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