In a groundbreaking effort to create a safe and inclusive space for children to freely express themselves, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), in collaboration with UNICEF, successfully hosted Guyana’s inaugural Children’s Conference under the theme “Empowered Children, Safer Futures.”

This landmark event, which was held on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, placed children at the centre to amplify their voices on the issues that matter most to them while fostering empowerment and sharing information.

While delivering the feature address, Minister, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, stressed the importance of ensuring that children are equally heard, seen, and supported as they navigate the challenges of life.

“What we wanted to achieve was a platform for children and young people to have the opportunity to discuss and deliberate on their present lives and their future. The theme of this conference seeks to empower you, the children, and ensure that you have a say in your future,” the Minister stated.

While the Ministry continues to implement programmes, policies, and guidelines, and invests in state-of-the-art infrastructures to ensure the safety and well-being of children, Minister Persaud emphasised that the most important thing is to ensure that children understand and experience their rights as well.

As such, the conference was precisely organised to ensure that every child was allowed to speak about his/her experiences and share recommendations which could be utilised in policies and programmes to strongly improve the outcome.

“Coming out of this conference, we would like to receive recommendations from you [the children], and those recommendations should reflect what you want for your country. What would you, as children, like to see in your schools, homes, and communities that will not only empower you but also help you feel safe?” the Minister told the children.

Over the past five years, the Ministry has made remarkable progress in strengthening childcare services through a series of transformative initiatives. Among these are the Every Child Safe Campaign, the Street Light Project, and the establishment of a Rapid Response Programme, all aimed at enhancing protection and support for children.

In addition, the Ministry launched the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy, focusing on the holistic well-being of children from birth to three years and nine months. Notably, Guyana’s first-ever Day and Night Care and Early Childhood Development Centre was opened, providing 24-hour childcare to support working parents.

These achievements form part of a broad spectrum of initiatives designed to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment.

During the conference, children engaged in a series of breakout sessions focused on critical issues such as mental health, delaying early sexual initiation, bullying, and internet safety. These sessions were designed to equip them with knowledge and practical tools, ensuring they are aware of the risks and empowering them to make informed choices to protect themselves.

Also in attendance at the conference were CPA’s Director, Levine Gouveia, UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist, Dr. Loria-Mae Heywood, and Deputy Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, Rosemary Benjamin-Noble, among other key stakeholders.