Religious Leaders - The Voice of Change for Children: Faith Based Organisations pledge to work together in the interest of children and women in Guyana
Georgetown, Guyana, March 19, 2009 - Under the umbrella of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), religious leaders from local faith based groups across the country met yesterday with Regional Director of UNICEF for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Nils Kastberg for a one day conference aimed at building alliances for the development of children and women and the role Faith Based Organisations (FBOs)can play in improving the lives of children. UNICEF Representative for Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, Johannes Wedenig in opening the meeting stressed that, “although the different religious groups hold different mandates, there is one thing they all have in common - as religious leaders you all are seen as symbols of trust and your voices are being heard. You have the extraordinary power of moral authority and religious conviction which will help bring about positive change for children. As leaders, you are able to not only set priorities but to change mindsets of your communities. This is where your power lies.” Chairing the days’ proceedings, Chairperson of the Ethnic Relations Commission, Bishop Juan Edghill, also picked up the call for the religious community to embrace change and work together rather than as individual groups. “Religious leaders must be taking the fight rather than being spectators to what is happening to children today… we need to be the voice of change. It is not enough to simply be aware of the current situation, rather it is the actions that are taken, which will give the children a glimpse of hope,” he said. Drawing a biblical parallel, UNICEF Regional Director Nils Katsberg reflected on the idea that, “in the Bible Jesus puts the child in the center as a subject of love and care. But we, his disciples, continue to keep the children aside” he noted. It is time this changes and all people start praising and loving their children, and like Jesus place the child in the center, rather than them being left in the dark.” Mr. Kastberg further emphasized that religious leaders have a prophetic mission in society for advocating structural change that requires a social policy approach rather than implementing solely projects in the social area. UNICEF is convinced that any significant change for children cannot be realized without the active leadership of religious leaders, “We need now, more than ever, to come together as strong leaders and build an alliance for children”. The combined prophetic voices were resounding in their conclusions on the way forward as they identified key areas for collaboration with UNICEF and beyond. These include coming together and networking of all faith based organizations to maximize efforts and avoid duplications and supporting positive socialization of boys into caring and responsible men. A key emphasis was also placed on parenting programmes, life skills development in children and the prevention of violence against children and young people. Making their voice heard regarding public investments for children and ensuring that resources are reaching the children most in need. For more information ---------------------------------
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