ERC LAUNCHES FOURTH HARMONY CLUB PILOT AT ST. AMBROSE PRIMARY

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) today launched its fourth Harmony Club Pilot at St.  Ambrose Primary School, further strengthening the Commission’s ongoing efforts, undertaken in  collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to introduce the clubs at primary schools across  Georgetown to begin with.  

This launch follows the recent establishment of Harmony Clubs at Stella Maris, St. Gabriel’s, and  Comenius Primary Schools, demonstrating the ERC’s continuing commitment, in alignment with  its mandate, to promote peace, understanding, tolerance, and heightened cultural and religious  awareness among young learners. 

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, ERC Commissioner Reverend Rodwell Porter, himself a  past student of St. Ambrose Primary, highlighted the importance of fostering respectful  relationships among people of different backgrounds. “Harmony begins with understanding, and  understanding begins with education. In a country as beautifully diverse as Guyana, it is important  that our children learn about all the cultures, races, and religions that surround them. That is why  establishing these Harmony Clubs are so vital, they create opportunities for learning, for respect,  and for the kind of tolerance that allows us to live peacefully with one another” He said while  encouraging the students to practice the same openness and understanding learnt from the clubs,  not only with their classmates but in their homes and communities as well.  

District Education Officer (Georgetown), Ms. Wendy Johnson, representing the Ministry of  Education, emphasized that the Harmony Club’s objectives align strongly with her Ministry’s  mission. “The Harmony Club is formed to enhance unity, love and peace. All of those teachings  are aligned with the education being provided by the Ministry,” she said, while extending her  appreciation to the ERC for its ongoing partnership in developing these clubs in schools. 

St. Ambrose Senior Mistress (ag), Ms. Mariska Williams, expressed gratitude for the initiative and  its value to the school community. “Today’s launching means a lot to us at St. Ambrose Primary  School because promoting harmony means coexisting peacefully with others through cooperation,  respect and balance. Promoting harmony is nothing strange to the school system because the  children have knowledge about the ethnic groups, their way of life and contributions to Guyana,”  she noted. She further added that having an established club structure will create more  opportunities for meaningful engagement and learning that celebrate diversity.

Harmony Clubs are intended to offer a safe, supportive and engaging environment where young  pupils can learn about the diverse cultures, religions, and ethnic groups that shape Guyana.  Through guided activities, games, cultural exchanges and interactive sessions, students will be  encouraged to appreciate shared values, embrace differences, and work collaboratively towards  peaceful coexistence. 

The schools participating in the ERC’s Pilot Programme will help establish the foundation for club  operations, engagement modules, and student-led initiatives. Feedback and outcomes from this  phase will inform the design and expansion of the programme to include schools across all regions  of Guyana. 

The ERC extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers,  Parent Teacher Associations, and students for their continued support and enthusiasm for this  initiative, which advances the shared goal of promoting peaceful and respectful coexistence across  Guyana.