First Children’s conference focuses on mental health, abuse prevention

In an unprecedented move to amplify the voices of children, the Childcare and Protection Agency hosted its first national Children’s Conference on Tuesday, bringing together children from across the country to engage directly in discussions about their safety, wellbeing and future.

The conference saw the participation of 200 children. It provided a platform for children aged 9 to 16 to share their experiences, ask questions, and offer recommendations to policymakers.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud told the News Room the event was designed to ensure that children not only feel heard but are seen as active participants in shaping the society they live in.

“This is about giving children the space to speak, to understand their worth and to realise that no matter their background, they have a future filled with possibility,” Dr Persaud said.

Among the topics discussed were sexual and reproductive health, children’s rights, mental health and wellbeing and accessibility and inclusion.

Children from various regions, including those living in state care and from vulnerable communities, were represented at the conference. The sessions focused on fostering a sense of inclusion, awareness, and empowerment, with support from experts and representatives from several agencies.

Dr Persaud stressed the importance of making the conference an annual event, potentially rotating it across regions to ensure wider participation.

“This must not be a one-time event.

“We want every child to know what resources are available to them and to recognise their role in building a safer, stronger society,” Dr Persaud told the News Room.

The conference marks a significant step toward inclusive child-centered policy development in Guyana, with the hope that children’s voices will continue to influence decisions that affect their lives.

The theme for the conference is “Empowering Children for a Safer Future”.