The Guyana Golden Lives Organization (GGLO) is inviting you to join in observing Children’s Grief Awareness Day on November 21, 2019. As a not-for-profit organization that provides support to bereaved children in Guyana, GGLO will be organizing a series of activities to draw attention to issues involving childhood loss and the need for special support services for bereaved children.
To mark this special day, GGLO invites the members of the public to wear a blue ribbon or item of blue clothing, as this is the colour dedicated to the cause. Photos of employees, volunteers and students in their blue ribbons or clothing may then be sent to GGLO’s social media account or email address for publication. They are advising to use the hashtags: #HoldingOnToHope #NewWaysToCope #GGLO #CopeGrowDevelop #Hugs #EverydayHero #CGAD.
There has been much media attention on the increasing number of suicides and homicides, particularly, deaths caused by domestic violence, in Guyana. These reports and statistics, however, seldom give us insight about the trauma that these untimely deaths cause to the children who are left behind. The reality is, that when a parent or loved one dies, children lose a sense of security and safety; the impact is immense and can be carried into adulthood. Additionally, surviving relatives are often left to bear the financial and emotional challenges of caring for a grieving child.
GGLO’s Vision: To assist in providing comfort and support of all kinds to children across all divides who have suffered bereavement in Guyana.
GGLO’s main objective is, therefore; to promote the rights of widows/widowers and orphans through the provision of support services specifically created to respond to the psychological, emotional and financial distress of children and families recovering from the loss of a parent or loved one. They provide practical support to grieving children and families through mentorship, scholarships and financial assistance. In addition, the Organisation also engage in community advocacy and support research on child bereavement in Guyana. Since its founding, GGLO has supported over thirty bereaved children across Guyana by meeting their diverse needs and are working towards offering assistance to many more families and communities across the country.
They are inviting everyone to join the campaign on November 21, 2019, to show support for the thousands of grieving children in Guyana and contribute to their work in other ways if you are able to do so. The theme is “Be an Everyday Hero- in support of grieving children”.
GGLO hopes to collaborate with the NGOs and Department of Youth across the region to create empowerment sessions/activities to equip young people with the skills to deal with loss. They would be less vulnerable to gangs and other social ills. Through joint efforts, GGLO is hoping they can raise awareness about the need for special care and attention to be given to grieving children. Bereavement is an overwhelming experience for people of all ages but for children, it is especially challenging.
Events for Children’s Grief Awareness Month:
• Grief Symposium
• Grief Awareness ‘pop-ups’ to share useful resources
• National Observance of CGAD by MOE in schools across Guyana
• Retreat for the families we work with
• Children’s Grief Awareness Day
