University of Guyana launches a Suite of Migration Studies Courses

Georgetown, Guyana, August 30, 2023: The University of Guyana with support from Global Affairs Canada and UNICEF Guyana has launched a suite of Migration Studies Courses offered through the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research, Department of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences and the International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies.

The new courses include Foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Theory Migration, Law and Policy and Migration, Gender and Human Resilience.

Dr. Coreen Jacobs Chester, Director, International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies during the virtual launch said the partnership with Global Affairs Canada and UNICEF Guyana intends to provide a framework and platform for knowledge sharing, especially on the topic of migration.

“The objective is to make sure that our students are properly equipped for all that is happening and to make sure they are aware of global issues and trends around the world. These courses will not only bring awareness but will focus on causes and challenges of migration issues,” she explained.

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University stressed the importance of the new courses, especially given the influx of migrants in Guyana. She explained that the country’s ability to comprehensively deal with migration will be greatly enhanced with the qualification of persons who enroll and complete the course.

She said, “These programmes already have interests in the Caribbean and because some will be offered virtually it means that the reach, we can have will be impacting not only our country but the region.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Irfan Akhtar, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname lauded the University on the launch of the migration courses and noted it will complement the wider plans of migration and diaspora engagement of the University and the government.

In the context on children and adolescents, the UNICEF Deputy Representative highlighted the increased risks of violence abuse and exploitation, during their journey to host countries and when they arrive at their destination. This he explained is the critical focus of UNICEF –to understand how children are affected by migration and to advocate for policies and plans to mitigate its adverse impact on their well-being.

“As children and women are at the heart of UNICEF’s mandate and the work we do - we see that this course will also create an avenue for building new cultural competence as we work in the new environment- including in the fields of law and social work,” he stated.

Also congratulating the University on the launch of the courses was Mr. Adam Loyer, Representative of Global Affairs Canada. He shared the compliments of the Government of Canada on the design of the course and the successful launch. “We trust that through this collaboration, sustainable impact on the future of migrants in Guyana will be achieved,” he said.

UNICEF Guyana, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and other donors are working with the Government and related partners in the areas of health, education, protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and adolescent development to support social inclusion.

On August 25, the University officially launched the International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies at its Turkeyen campus for students to delve deeper into the intricate social and economic implications of migration.