On Monday, the Schools Welfare Unit of the Department of Education – Georgetown, held the first in a series of Suicide Awareness Sessions at Central High School.
A press release from the Ministry of Education said that with a theme `Choose Life – Say No to Suicide!’ students and teachers listened to presentations from Sita Nagamootoo, a former headmistress and the wife of Prime Minister—Moses Nagamootoo, Pastor Eworth Williams, a Motivational Speaker, Glenna Vyphuis, Chief Schools Welfare Officer, Dr. Latchmin Punalall, Professional Counsellor and Kirk Jardine (Chow Pow). Ziya Rambarran, student of St. Rose’s High School also did a beautiful dance which sent a strong message to “Stop Suicide.”
The awareness sessions come amid a surge in suicides which has led the government to convene an emergency meeting on the situation.
The release said that Mrs Nagamootoo highlighted some of the many causes of suicide such as stress, abuse, drug addiction, pressures at school and hurt from broken relationships.
The release said that Pastor Eworth Williams told the students that they have a purpose in life and on the road to accomplishing this they might encounter a few challenges/obstacles. He urged that that they should never give up. Vyphuis in her discourse pointed to the importance of making the right choices and the fact that suicide is not the answer.
Jardine shared his personal battle with stress. He told the children that due to life’s challenges and difficulties he started abusing drugs at eight years old. As a result of his addiction, he said that he attempted suicide by cutting his wrist and drinking kerosene. He further said that at age 31 he entered rehabilitation and after interacting with counsellors, he realized that his life was spared because he had a purpose. Dr. Punalall spoke about how chemical imbalances in the brain can drive someone to committing suicide.
The session was chaired by Onika Pearson, Senior Schools Welfare Officer who shared some ways to cope with suicidal thoughts and addressed misconceptions about suicide.
The session ended with teachers, students and all present, singing the song “Lean on Me” as a reminder that there are persons available to call on in time of need.
The release said the sessions continue on:
February 19, 9:00hrs, at the Brickdam Secondary School;
February 22, 8:30hrs, at St. Stanislaus College;
February 26, 9:00hrs, at Cummings-lodge Secondary School, East Coast Demerara.
