Guyanese youths enlist in fight against domestic violence

The Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) on Monday launched its first ever youth conference at the Pegasus Hotel, with scores of young people in attendance.
CADVA’s founder Sukree Boodram said that the conference is focused on helping youths to promote a violence-free environment for Guyana, while trying to end domestic violence.

Boodram believes that there has been too much focus on educating and building awareness about violence, saying that now is the time to take action against violence. CADVA, through this conference, is preparing youths to take the lead role in identifying the issues of violence and taking the necessary actions.
The morning session of the conference saw youths from New York and Florida universities and high schools working alongside youths in Guyana, and presenting “young research scientists” on topics such as: harassment, sexual bullying, sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, race and racial tolerance.
The afternoon session saw panel discussions on “Redefining the lessons our parents taught us” and a demonstration on how the lessons taught by parents impact and shape their children’s lives. Boodram said the CADVA hopes to create an impact on the participants of the conference.
U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt lauded the work being done by CADVA in Guyana. In his address to the youths, the U. S. diplomat pointed to issues of violence locally.
A recent study between the government of Guyana and the United Nations Population Fund revealed that the percentage of women that will experience violence at some point of their lives was as high as 77 per cent in Region Six, followed by 65 per cent in Region Four and 63 per cent in Region 10. The U. S. ambassador told the youths that “There are many people who want to help end domestic violence and abuse, and participation in this conference is an excellent starting point for you to learn how you can be an advocate for important issues.”
Hardt admitted that overcoming the problem of domestic violence is a difficult, long term challenge, but noted that everyone can help to stop the cycle. Ambassador Hardt also pointed out that the local U. S. embassy has been actively involved in reaching out to adults and youths to forge a stronger alliance to curb domestic violence.
The U.S. embassy has supported a number of initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, while creating opportunities for young people to get involved in ending the scourge.
He spoke at length about the Youth Ambassadors’ Programme, which allows Guyanese youths to participate in a youth exchange leadership and skills building course.
The U. S. ambassador encouraged the youths to apply for the programme, which will allow them to exchange and share ideas with other youths like themselves.
The conference was chaired by educator and journalist Annan Boodram of New York. It also saw the participation of several notable persons, including child psychologist Dr Faith Harding; socialists Ravi Dev; Eric Phillips and Ahston Simon.
The presenters at the panel included Heather Brooks of the U. S. embassy; Nicolette Herny of the Civil Defence Commission; Eskar Adams of the Transitional House and businesswoman Sharon Laljee.