Petra Organisation continues advocacy to curb Gender-based Violence

In partnership with the Ministry of the Public Health, the coordinators of the seventh annual Milo Schools Football tournament have continued to stress the importance of ending Gender-based Violence.

Majority of the participating schools in the Petra Organisation-coordinated event gathered on Thursday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, where the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, Terrence Esseboom, shared sound advice with the male Under-18 footballers.

Esseboom spoke of the need for them to respect females. He added that inflicting violence on females should not be a way of venting anger.

“Just like in football where you get a red card and you are out of the match, in life when you commit these unlawful acts, it follows you around for life and it can be held against you,” he explained.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, echoed similar sentiments, and charged the lads to maintain discipline, and care for females.

The tournament kicks off on February 9 and is scheduled to conclude on April 14.

At the launch, Youth Development Officer and national youth coach, Bryan Joseph, said the Guyana Football Federation will use the tournament to scout for players for upcoming national duties, which include the Concacaf Under-17 championship.

The top four teams will receive $500,000, $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively to fund a project of their choice at their respective schools.

Participating schools: Bishops’ High, Canje Secondary, Tucville Secondary, Carmel Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary, St Mary’s Secondary,  East Ruimveldt  Secondary, Lodge Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Kingston Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Queen’s College, Ann’s Grove Secondary, President’s College, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, South Ruimveldt Secondary, St. Johns College, Tutorial Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Uitivulgt Secondary, Marian Academy and Christianburg Wismar Secondary.