To accelerate results for children and enhance coordination among partners for project implementation, the High Commission of Canada in partnership with UNICEF today hosted a project steering committee meeting with key stakeholders of the government at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Upper East Coast Demerara.
The meeting focused on the Canada-funded project titled “Promoting Safe and Healthy Learning and Living Environments for Migrant and Host Communities in Guyana’s Hinterland and Selected Coastal Areas.”
It saw discussions on achievements made under the project and plans for the next two years with key stakeholders from the Ministries of Health, Education, Human Services and Social Security, Amerindian Affairs and the Civil Defence Commission.
During opening remarks, His Excellency, Sebastien Sigouin, High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana highlighted that the project is an essential one for Canada, and it is deeply committed to enhancing quality education from the early years to young adulthood in migrant and host communities. “This meeting today will address the gaps and ensure the project stays on track for the next two years,” he said.
Sigouin noted that oftentimes migrant and host communities face injustices and barriers not only in Guyana, but in other countries including Canada. “We believe in reaching out to the Amerindian and marginalised communities to promote equality and inclusion across the country; ensuring these communities are engaged and included in decision making is part of our reconciliation efforts,” he said.
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security thanked the High Commission of Canada and UNICEF for its unwavering support to children in migrant and host communities in Guyana, while noting that the project fits hand in glove with several key objectives of her ministry.
“The government has extended support to the migrant communities ensuring that children are in school and have access to all services. We have been extending our arms and services to ensure that as much as possible we are able to provide [key] services to migrant children and host communities throughout the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nicolas Pron, Area Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname commended the governments of Guyana and Canada for their invaluable contribution to advancing the rights and well-being of every child in Guyana.
“By addressing the critical needs in the areas of health, inclusive education, water, sanitation, and reducing inequalities, this project reflects a thorough approach to supporting vulnerable populations. It ensures that children and communities, particularly in migrant and underserved areas, have access to essential services that promote their well-being, safety, and development and creating opportunities for marginalized groups to thrive,” he said.
He expressed that UNICEF is committed to being a steadfast partner in achieving the project’s goals and supporting Guyana’s development journey.
The ECD and safe schools project seek to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 3, 4, 6, 10 and 17 by 2030. Through its focus on health, inclusive education, water, sanitation, and reducing inequalities, the project supports the broader küresel development agenda, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.