The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the mental well-being of Indigenous Peoples by hosting a two-day Women and Youth Mental Health Awareness Workshop in the Upper Mazaruni District.
The workshop brought together women and young people from the villages of Kamarang-Warawatta, Waramadong and Kako, where participants could openly discuss mental health challenges, share experiences and strengthen their understanding of emotional well-being. The initiative was facilitated in collaboration with Desert Flower Guyana, a registered mental health organisation dedicated to promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma and improving access to support and treatment.
The workshop comes amid growing national concern about substance misuse among young people. Initiatives such as the Upper Mazaruni workshop are part of APA’s broader efforts to empower Indigenous communities with the knowledge, resources and support needed to improve mental health outcomes, strengthen families and build resilient communities.
APA Policy Officer Don Stoll told participants that mental health awareness is fundamental to the resilience of Indigenous communities, noting that emotional well-being is closely linked to stronger families, healthier communities and the preservation of Indigenous cultures. She reaffirmed the APA’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples in line with the organisation’s mandate to advance their social, economic, political and cultural development.
Through a series of interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences, build self-awareness and develop practical strategies for managing life’s challenges while learning how to support others facing similar difficulties.
The first day of the workshop focused on the theme, “Promoting Mental Wellness and Strengthening Family Connections,” and the discussions explored the importance of understanding mental health, recognising emotions, managing stress, addressing common mental health challenges among adolescents, building resilience and self-esteem, and strengthening communication between parents and young people.
Facilitators Cilandell Glen and Jermaine Pollard of Desert Flower Guyana led participants through discussions on the effects of alcohol and drug use on adolescents, the influence of peer pressure, developing refusal skills, healthy alternatives to substance use, the role of families and communities in prevention, and the support services available to those seeking help. Interactive activities, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises enabled participants to strengthen their coping and decision-making skills while exploring ways in which families and communities can create safer, more supportive environments for young people.
For many participants, the workshop not only provided much-needed information about mental wellness but also gave them tools they can apply in various situations they are likely to face in the future.
Toshao Alma Marshall, who participated in the workshop, said the sessions have emboldened her to speak openly, get support when needed and or get advice when dealing with related matters.
“We know we are facing challenges in our communities and as leaders, we ourselves sometimes do not know how to cope with these. So, I encourage all of us to use the information to better ourselves,” she said.
Similarly, Dolores Daniels from Waramadong village praised the timing of the workshop, stating that it has equipped both the youths and community leaders to better handle related social issues.
Toshao of Waramadong, Amrita Thomas, says she is thankful for the training and urged that more sessions be held in the future. In an earlier meeting with the APA team, the Toshao admitted that substance abuse among school-aged children in her community was on the increase.
The APA delegation to the Upper Mazaruni included Women Representative and Toshao of Kamarang Village, Alma Marshall; Advocacy and Policy Coordinator, Nicholas Peters; and Policy Officer, Felecia Valenzuela.