The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) says it equipped over 3,000 citizens with conflict resolution and negotiation skills in its efforts to promote unity, during its Neighbourhood Conference Project.

In a press release the ERC said the meetings were held in 71 communities within the 65 Neighbour-hood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and six municipalities nationwide. The meetings were held under the theme ‘Enhancing local capacity for participation in governance and in the development of initiatives to resolve conflicts and contribute to community security.’ Its objectives were to encourage active participation by community members in establishing effective NDCs and equipping communities with cooperation and conflict resolution skills.

The ERC said the meetings created a safe space for participants to agree on strategies for overcoming ethnic and other differences and focused on how best they could contribute to the development of their respective communities and the country. In keeping with this, two short films, titled Elbow Room Distances and Guyana were aired. The first film showed ways of dealing with issues in the work place and the second, a skit, aired messages of peace, love and cooperation.

According to the release the meetings also facilitated an open discussion segment that allowed residents to voice concerns about the issues affecting their livelihoods and to offer suggestions about how they can be resolved. Participants also engaged in role playing, under instructions from trained facilitators to determine ways of solving conflicts in different scenarios. The conference concluded with residents signing personal pledges of commitment to implement the skills they learned to create more peaceful communities. The Project started on July 27 with support from the United Nations Development Programme.

Meanwhile, the ERC noted that several participants said more fora needed to be created that allow persons to freely express themselves about issues affecting them. It said it was particularly pleased to note the participation of youth at all its sessions and assures them that their views were recorded and will be used for the benefit of their communities.