In observance of the Inter-national Day of the Girl Child, the High Commission of Canada yesterday continued its eight-year tradition of hosting one exceptional young woman as the High Commissioner for the Day.
Attiya Griffith, an 18-year-old, third-year economics major at the University of Guyana, emerged as the winner of the online High Commissioner for the Day Contest. A release yesterday from the Canadian High Commission said that this year dozens of young women ages 15-20 years old, submitted one-minute-long videos on the topic, ‘If you can have one wish, with regards to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, what would you wish for and why?’ The release said that Griffith delivered an inspiring and strong submission on the topic highlighting that she would wish for a world where equality is no longer a goal, but a reality.
After being selected as the winner, Griffith was tasked with performing her duties as High Commissioner yesterday. Her day included meeting with her staff, visiting the Guyana School of Agriculture’s hydroponic facility, funded in part by Canada, meeting with the Guyana Lottery Company, a luncheon hosted in her honour with several accomplished women, and a speed mentoring event hosted at the British High Commission. She was exposed to a cross-section of activities and engagements that allowed her to see some of the work being done by the High Commission as well as meet representatives of partner organizations.
Griffith said that the experience as High Commissioner was exciting and one that she would never forget. She added that it was deeply inspiring and that she felt encouraged to reach even higher.
