Youths of region were today urged to capitalise on the learning experience they were exposed to through a diversity workshop spearheaded by the Social Cohesion Ministry. Programme Coordinator at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ms. Sharon Patterson, today, made the charge to the 40 odd youths even as she pointed out that the learning experience could help them to foster closer relations with their peers and others, better manage conflicts and contribute to nation building.
The occasion was the start of the 35th Diversity Education and Inclusion Regional Training Workshop. The two-day event is being held in the Woodrow Telford Auditorium of the Linden Foundation Secondary School, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10).
Youths Clementon (left) and Jomieel Peters participate in a ‘mirroring’ exercise during one of the interactive components of the workshop.
Patterson said that the workshop targeted youth as the Ministry views them as significant agents of change, who will someday become leaders in their communities, regions and in the country at large. As such, the workshop aimed to utilise their drive and energy and introduce them to new concepts that will help them to learn more about themselves, widen their mediation skills and help them to learn how to use differences to their advantage.
“You have the future in your hands so unless you understand the issues, you will not be able to function effectively and make a difference in the development process. So it is important that you understand some key issues like the divisions in our country…This is an opportunity for learning experience and so don’t treat it lightly… By the end of it you [will be] in a place where you believe you can make a contribution to enhancing and promoting social cohesion,” she said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Regional Chairman, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Mr. Rennis Morian, who said that the Ministry is seeking to channel the exuberance of youth into the right direction.
Youth ages 15-30 from communities including Mackenzie, Cinderella City, Speight Land, Amelia’s Ward and Central Amelia’s Ward are participating in the sessions. Several of the participants said that they had high hopes that the sessions would enable them to make better choices and to enhance their lives.