GUYANA | Anti Discrimination body wants Religions Organizations to Urge Gov't to Address the Teachers Union Concerns

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) says it is deeply concerned about the ongoing strike by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), which has resulted in the closure of schools across the country.

A statement by Vice Chairman of IFAAD, former Georgetown Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine, said the organization felt it was essential for the country's religious bodies to play a decisive role in urging the PPP government to swiftly respond to the GTU's concerns and bring an end to this prolonged strike.

Our children's education should not be held hostage to unresolved issues, it said.

"The GTU has long been advocating for improved working conditions, salaries, and benefits for teachers. It is disheartening to witness the continued inability of the PPP government to address these legitimate concerns.

Education is the cornerstone of any society's progress, and it is our duty to ensure that our educators are provided with the necessary resources and support to perform their crucial roles effectively, Pt. Narine noted.

He said the strike has had severe consequences for our children, who have been deprived of valuable classroom instruction, social interaction, and essential educational opportunities.

Pandit Narine noted that prolonged school closures have a lasting impact, particularly on vulnerable students who lack access to adequate remote learning alternatives.

It is imperative that we prioritize their well-being and ensure a safe and productive learning environment for their holistic development.

IFAAD implores the religious body, as a neutral and influential entity in Guyana, to call upon the PPP government to engage in immediate and meaningful negotiations with the GTU.

We firmly believe that a mutually acceptable resolution can be reached through peaceful dialogue and a genuine commitment to address the concerns raised by the teachers.

It is our collective responsibility to prioritize the future of our children and invest in their education.

We urge the religious body to leverage its moral authority and advocate for the swift resolution of this strike. By urging the PPP government to prioritize the education sector and adequately address the concerns of our teachers, the religious body can be instrumental in bringing an end to this impasse and ensuring our children's right to quality education.

IFAAD stands in solidarity with the GTU and calls upon all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, parents, and concerned citizens, to join hands in demanding immediate action to resolve this crisis.

Our children's education is sacrosanct, and it is our collective responsibility to secure their future.

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