Children urged to be builders of modern Guyana

Dozens of school children last Friday used chalk to express themselves in a drawing competition organised by the Russian embassy to mark International Child Protection Day.
The competition was held on the tarmac of the Burrowes School of Art, Carifesta Avenue, under the theme “May there always be sunshine”. The competition was a collaborative effort between the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, the Russian embassy and the Russian business community. More than 40 children from schools in Georgetown, Kwakwani, Kuru Kuru and Aroaima participated.
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony said that while Guyana has youth arms of political parties, there also needs to be a children’s arm, and Guyana is not behind in this regard.
He noted that a pioneer movement was started in Guyana on June 1, 1979, and is privileged to be one of the first 50 pioneers that started the movement.
Dr Anthony said that the Soviet Union (now known as Russia) and later the Russian Republic spent a lot of time lobbying for this day to become a very prominent day in the international community, and it is because of their effort that “we have seen this day being highlighted around the world”. He also disclosed that during the time of the Soviet Union, with the many pioneer camps it had, children had played a very special role in those societies, and a lot of emphasis was placed on the holistic development of children.
The minister disclosed that from time to time, Guyana sends delegations to countries such as Cuba and Russia to participate in camps, and the experience, he noted, that participants have brought back has help to enhanced local children’s programmes.
The minister said the reason “We designate this special day to draw focus on the work that needs to be done with children and in Guyana, there have been significant advances as it relates to the protection of children.”
“We have passed, over the last couple of years, several pieces of legislation that would enhance the protection of children, and of course our job is not done by passing legislation, we have to build the institutions that allow these things to be properly monitored, and put in place, and I think that we are in that stage where we are ensuring that all our institutions are properly strengthened.” Dr Anthony said he is pleased that in terms of education, the government of Guyana has been spending a lot of money to educate children.
He pointed out that government’s heavy investment in the sector has resulted in Guyana achieving universal primary and secondary education, and more students are pursuing tertiary education.
Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King said the celebration and recognition of International Day for Child Protection is being held at the most appropriate place, that is, at the institution best known for moulding and nurturing young creative minds.
He noted the world over people are recognising the importance of nurturing the next generation, and understanding the importance of creating the environment and experiences that would lead them to be positive contributors in society RUSAL representative Vladimir Permyakov said that the company is proud to be part of the competition, noting that children should be given the opportunity to be the builders of a modern and beautiful Guyana.
Russian Ambassador to Guyana Nickolay Smirnov said he is happy to celebrate the day with Guyana, pointing out that the occasion is widely celebrated in Russia. He said self-expression by children will “make us realise what is going on around them”. The ambassador added that according to psychologists, it is believed that children express their inner world in drawings, and one can tell of the problem they face and their aspirations.
After the ceremony, the children were invited to cut the ribbon after which they were given coloured chalks to draw on an allotted space, while their teachers encouraged them and the judges looked on.
The drawings had to portray the theme “May there always be sunshine”, and the students were given one hour to complete their pieces.
International Child Protection Day was established in November 1949 by the Women’s International Democratic Federation at a congress, and has been celebrated on June 1 ever since.