The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security hosted a family support and wellness symposium on Friday at the Umana Yana to highlight challenges within family structures while promoting stronger support systems and values.
The event brought together parents, students and teachers from various schools and communities countrywide in commemoration of International Day of Families being observed under the theme “Families, Inequalities, and Child-Wellbeing.”
Speaking at the symposium, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said families everywhere face difficulties that are often hidden from public view.
“Every family has its fair share of challenges. We live in a world where, behind closed doors, as was very aptly depicted, things are not sometimes what they appear to be outside,” she stated.
The minister added that many of the realities faced within homes continue to affect children across society.
Thus, she stressed the importance of building loving and stable homes to strengthen society as a whole.
“If we create the kinds of families that have loving homes, stable halls, we will have much less to do with repairing and rebuilding, but we can continue to strengthen bonds and to build a country where the fabric is strong because our families are strong,” Minister Persaud said.
The symposium also highlighted services available through the ministry’s Family Enhancement Services at the Palms on Brickdam.
As part of the programme, the ministry created themed rooms designed to mirror a modern family home, offering participants an interactive experience focused on family life, relationships and wellness.