It took a few days of protests and the involvement of Amerindian Rights Groups and the Ministry of Education, but on Wednesday, the Mae’s Private School formally issued an apology to the parents of the young boy who was told to cover up when he arrived at school in his Indigenous outfit for the school’s culture day observances.
The face to face apology took place this morning in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education as the school and the parents sat and held discussions with Education Minister, Nicolette Henry.
The school indicated earlier this week that it would have been issuing the apology following a meeting with officials of the Amerindian People’s Association and some of the organisers of the protest.
In the apology Mae’s stated that as an educational institution, it is defined by the belief that a multiplicity of ideas and beliefs, cultures and cultural values enrich the learning experience of our students.
“We hold deeply the view that respect for and celebration of the several cultures which make up our country creates a diverse, dynamic environment for our students.On the day of May 25, 2018 there was a most unfortunate and deeply regrettable incident at our school. We recognize that this event created trauma for the student, his family and the community. We deeply regret the incident, and offer our most sincere and profound apologies to the student and his family for the hurt and pain which he suffered as a result” the school said in an official statement.
The school also made it clear that It was not its intention to hurt, disrespect or degrade “such an important part of the beautiful cultural mosaic which constitutes Guyana.”
Mae’s noted that it will continue to strive to provide increased educational opportunities to students from all cultures in an environment of creative dynamic learning, underpinned by discipline and rules.
Education Minister, Nicolette Henry today said that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders that some positive outcome is gained from the unfortunate situation. She said that it is important that each individual involved takes away the lessons learnt in the best interest of the child.
She added that had better judgment prevailed, the entire episode could have been avoided.
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