The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) today launched its third Harmony Club Pilot at Comenius Primary School, 49 Anira Street, Queenstown, continuing the Commission’s efforts in partnership with the Ministry of Education, to promote greater appreciation and respect for the country’s various cultures and religions, starting with young minds first.
The third launch followed the successful first and second at the Stella Maris and St. Gabriel’s Primary Schools respectively and underscores part of the ERC’s national initiative, in keeping with its mandate, to foster understanding and awareness of Guyana’s cultural diversity and shared nationhood.
Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, speaking at the launch, reiterated the underlying purpose of the Harmony Club to students and teachers of Comenius Primary. “The Harmony Club is about helping our children truly understand each other, our faiths, our customs, our differences, and the love that binds us. When our students learn to respect every religion, every race, and every culture, they carry that understanding into their homes, their neighbourhoods, and eventually our entire country. That is how harmony becomes a way of life” he said.
Ms. Wendy Johnson, District Education Officer (Georgetown), speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, thanked the ERC for working together with them to establish these much-needed Harmony Clubs. According to Ms. Johnson, “this is the ideal place to start, with our babies, to really hit home the message of harmony. This is the segment of our population who will be interacting on a daily basis with their peers and what better part of the population to spread harmony. We are shaping young minds to value peace, empathy, and respect. When children are taught to appreciate the diversity around them, they become ambassadors of unity within their schools, families, and communities. This programme strengthens not only our classrooms, but our nation.”
Head Mistress of Comenius Primary, Ms. Janice Torringtn, spoke on behalf of the school and emphasized that children and teachers of her school are always eager to show love regardless of race or creed. “At Comenius Primary, we are proud to create a space where every child feels seen, valued, and understood. The Harmony Club allows our students to learn about each other in meaningful ways, building friendships grounded in respect and love. This is the foundation of the kind of Guyana we all want to see.” she said.
Harmony Clubs are designed to provide a safe and structured, purposeful environment for pupils to learn about, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the Guyanese population. The Clubs are envisioned as safe and inclusive spaces where students can learn and openly discuss topics related to ethnic diversity, national identity, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence.
Through guided activities, games, cultural exchanges and interactive sessions, students will be encouraged to appreciate similarities, celebrate differences, and work collaboratively. The Pilot Programme is slated to be rolled out next at St. Ambrose Primary and North Georgetown Secondary schools.
The schools in the ERC Pilot Programme will serve as the initial phase for the club structure, engagement modules, and student-driven activities. Feedback and outcomes at the pilot stage will determine the next phases of the programme to include schools across all regions in Guyana.
The Commission expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers, Parent Teacher Associations and students for their support and enthusiasm towards the project that embraces peaceful co-existence overall.
