5 young students caught in a violent protest- these are their stories beyond their injuries.
On March 19th 2020, members of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana travelled to various villages in Region 5, Mahaica-Berbice, to lend support to the families of children affected by the March 6th protest in Bath Settlement. The protest, related to what was termed, ‘the delay in the release of the 2020 Election Results’, targeted a state owned school bus transporting students predominantly of African descent and resulted in five (5) of these students between the ages of 13-16, sustaining physical injuries to their heads and other parts of their bodies. The psychological trauma suffered by the students remains largely unknown. During the visit, household supplies were presented to the families and tablets were given to the students to aid the completion of their schoolwork from home.
The students, each with their own stories, dreams and talents, made an excellent impression on the visiting team. One female student when asked what she wanted to become, boldly proclaimed- a doctor! Her mother, a healthcare professional, laughed and nodded supportively after the pronouncement. The young lady then disappeared into her home and emerged again carrying her report card. She showed the team how she performed exceptionally at school and had secured first place on several occasions including her last round of examinations. She also explained how she liked to participate in school activities and served as class prefect. The IDPADA-G team affirmed the young lady by greeting her using the term ‘Doctor’ and encouraged her to persevere in the pursuance of her goals.
When the team arrived at the home of one of the youngest students affected, her younger brother and sister looked on curiously. The student relayed to us that although she was terrified shortly after the incident, she was now able to go about her days with some normalcy. Her mother, an educator, recalled being in shock upon receiving the news about what happened to her daughter. She thought about all the children in her care, how they were of various ethnicities and she had endeavoured to treat them all fairly, yet her daughter suffered this fate. After the incident however, she still remains resolute that she will continue to discharge her duties as per normal and will not allow hate or fear to affect her work.
Amidst the brilliant young ladies visited, there was a sole exceptional young man. Very reserved and soft-spoken, never meeting the gazes of the visitors as he listened to why they ventured to see him. It wasn’t until they inquired about the impressive vegetable garden in front of his home, that he became at ease. He sprang up from his sitting position and proceeded to offer a tour through his garden. He explained that he loved to spend his time caring for his crops and spoke about his plan to grow more food to sustain his household. The team inquired if agriculture was also his career goal, to which he responded in the affirmative. Although he is some years away from completing secondary school, he does aim to enrol at the Guyana School of Agriculture.
The penultimate visit was to the home of a police officer who had worked tirelessly over the days following the Election to ensure that order prevailed and the security of citizens remained uncompromised. He was not able however, to shield his daughter from the protest action that unfolded. He recalled how his daughter returned home drenched in her own blood after refusing to be taken to the hospital for fear that she would suffer further harm on her way there. Her mother explained how she immediately became her daughter’s doctor, removing pieces of broken glass from her face. The daughter, with her pleasant demeanour said that she felt safer at home. When asked about her career choice, to the team’s surprise, this brave young lady explained that she wanted to become a soldier because she wanted to protect others. Even after such a traumatic event- she still retained her love for humanity.
The final visit was to the home of another aspiring doctor, specifically- a paediatrician. Her love for children, coupled with her love for science has motivated this career choice. She recalled receiving a blow to the head during the incident and becoming unconscious. She feels fortunate to be alive and wants to use her skills to impact the lives of others positively. Her father indicated that he takes the education of his daughters very seriously. He wants them to have all the opportunities that he didn’t and therefore puts his various talents to work to provide for his family. The list of services that he offers advertised outside of his home spoke volumes about his level of commitment to this purpose.
The final visit was to the home of another aspiring doctor, specifically- a paediatrician. Her love for children, coupled with her love for science has motivated this career choice. She recalled receiving a blow to the head during the incident and becoming unconscious. She feels fortunate to be alive and wants to use her skills to impact the lives of others positively. Her father indicated that he takes the education of his daughters very seriously. He wants them to have all the opportunities that he didn’t and therefore puts his various talents to work to provide for his family. The list of services that he offers advertised outside of his home spoke volumes about his level of commitment to this purpose.