Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 06, 2016 News
School children across Linden took to the streets, on Wednesday, in the first ever walk against suicide and abuse. The event was organized by the Youth for Change, Lester and Friends and the Department of Education.
The event which saw primary and secondary schools closed for the day drew tremendous support from both students, teachers and parents, some of whom made the trek from the Bayrock Community Centre Ground on Wismar to the Mackenzie Sports Club.
Anti suicide chants, and exhortations of hope reverberated throughout the walk.
Upon its culmination at the Mackenzie Sports Club the children were addressed by various religious leaders, personnel from the department of welfare among others, including Lisa Punch, entertainers Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones, the FIYB dance group and Chowpow.
Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine spoke of his personal challenges that included drug addiction and even his two attempts to take his own life.
He related that he was fortunately helped by a religious leader who encouraged him and gave him hope. The man also paid for his rehabilitation at the Salvation Army, Jardine said.
He sought to encourage youths to choose life.
The initiative was applauded by all, including Welfare Officer for Region Ten, Rubena Marshall, who said that it was commendable that Linden, which currently has the least incidence of suicide should be among the first to organize a walk against it.
Several children recited poetry against taking one’s own life, while some composed songs.
The initiative was supported by the Ministry of Education, and various businesses including Bella’s Lumber Yard and General Store, Banks DIH, Divine entertainment, 104.3 power fM, Stag Bar and Divine Entertainment.
Lester Glen, whose initiative it was for the march, said that he was overwhelmed by the support. Glen was assisted by CEO of Divine Entertainment, Devin Sears and others.
He thanked the Ministry of Education for releasing the children for the walk and expressed hope that the awareness would not just remain a walk but would influence hope.
Devin Sears, a Teacher by profession said that the initiative received the blessings of the Ministry of Education, for which he was thankful. Sears also expressed gratitude to all for their support.
He said that the turnout was great despite the weather, which however worked in their favor as it helped to cool down the place.
“To know that as a community, we can stand up and say no to suicide and no to abuse is a plus for us as and that shows we are in solidarity and we empathize with those who are affected or are victims of abuse. This sends a message to the entire country and the world that if we could put our arms and hearts together we can accomplish anything.
“Today was amazing, because even if we would have reversed the thought of one person who was in the march or on the sidelines looking on, we would have done a good because we cannot put a price to life. Persons were encouraged. (Enid Joaquin)
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]