More Than a Symposium: Empowering Region Seven’s Youth to Shape Their Future

For two days, Bartica Secondary School was transformed into a collaborative space where over 300 adolescents from across Region Seven came together to discuss their dreams, challenges, health, and future during the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Symposium.

Organized through a partnership between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Ministries of Education- HFLE Department and Ministry of Health- Adolescent Health Unit, the symposium provided young people with a safe and supportive environment to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about issues that directly affect their lives.

For many students, the symposium was more than an educational event-it was an opportunity to be heard, understood, and empowered.

Giving Young People the Knowledge to Thrive

Throughout the two-day event, students participated in interactive sessions on puberty, teenage pregnancy prevention, gender-based violence, consent, menstrual and general hygiene, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, mental health, and digital safety.

Through group discussions, impromptu speeches, games, and youth-centered activities, adolescents were encouraged to openly discuss issues affecting their lives while gaining accurate information to support healthy decision-making.

The importance of these conversations cannot be overstated. Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and change, when decisions made today can influence health and opportunities for years to come.

Opening the symposium, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PWR , Guyana highlighted the crucial role of investing in adolescent health and well-being.

"Adolescence is a critical stage of life that shapes lifelong health, well-being, and future opportunities. By investing in the mental health of our adolescents and creating environments where they feel heard, valued, and empowered, we are investing in the future of our nation."

- Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative, Guyana

Her message resonated with students and stakeholders alike as she emphasized that mental health, adolescent pregnancy, alcohol use, and suicide prevention remain important priorities requiring the collective efforts of families, schools, communities, health services, and policymakers.

Addressing Challenges Facing Guyana's Adolescents

While Guyana has made progress in reducing adolescent pregnancy rates, significant challenges remain. The estimated age-specific fertility rate among girls aged 15-19 years declined from 80 births per 1,000 adolescents in 2014 to 69.9 births per 1,000 in 2023. Despite this progress, Guyana continues to have one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the Caribbean.

Discussions throughout the symposium highlighted the importance of education as a protective factor, helping young people make informed decisions and access opportunities that contribute to healthier futures.

Representatives from partner agencies also addressed the rights and well-being of adolescents.

UNICEF Acting Representative, Ms. Priya Hirasinh, spoke about children's rights and the importance of creating supportive environments that allow young people to grow and thrive.

Dr. Mandy La Fleur of UNFPA emphasized sexual and reproductive health and rights, while the Regional Health Officer encouraged students to utilize the free adolescent-friendly health services available throughout Region Seven.

Representing UN Women, Ms. Akialah Doris discussed gender-based violence, bullying, and peer pressure, encouraging students to support one another and foster respectful relationships.

A Message of Self-Belief

One of the most memorable moments of the opening ceremony came during the keynote address by Minister Sonia Parag, who encouraged students to think independently, resist negative peer influence, and prioritize their well-being.

Addressing the young audience, she shared a message that struck a chord with many in attendance:

"If you rely on yourself to be motivated and to be happy, you will never be disappointed, because you will be relying on yourself."

- Minister Sonia Parag

She also highlighted the dangers of vaping and alcohol consumption, promoted the benefits of physical activity for emotional well-being, and encouraged adolescents to take advantage of the free HPV vaccine, which helps protect against certain cancers.

Additionally, Minister Parag noted the Government's commitment to menstrual hygiene initiatives, which are now included in the national budget.

Further commitment to improving the lives of adolescents in the region came in the form of a pledge signed by representatives from various ministries, United Nations agencies, and all the students present. The pledge underscored a shared commitment to supporting adolescent health and well-being, and the signed document will be displayed in a prominent location at each participating school as a visible reminder of this collective promise for all to see.

Taking the Message into the Community

The symposium extended beyond the classroom on the first day with a Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Walk through Bartica. Students, government representatives, and development partners walked from Seventh Avenue to the Community Ground on Second Avenue, raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health and hygiene.

The walk demonstrated the collective commitment of partners and the community to breaking stigma and supporting adolescent health.

Building a Healthier Future

On the second day, PAHO/WHO joined other partners in facilitating sessions on teenage pregnancy prevention, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health policy, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, puberty, and menstrual and general hygiene.

The active participation of students throughout the symposium reflected a growing willingness among young people to engage in conversations about their health and future.

As the event concluded, one message remained clear: when adolescents are provided with accurate information, supportive environments, and opportunities to lead, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.

PAHO/WHO remains committed to working alongside national and international partners to strengthen adolescent health and mental well-being initiatives across Guyana. By investing in young people today, Guyana is helping to build healthier communities, stronger families, and a brighter future for generations to come.