Non-denominational routines for school assemblies

Dear Editor,

I have a few questions and concerns for the Administration of Huis t’ Dieren Primary School and the Ministry of Education of Guyana.

As we observed the start of a new school year across Guyana on September 1, 2026^[1], morning assemblies remain an integral part of instilling national pride, unity, and discipline in our young children. However, a recent post on Facebook (September 1) from Huis t’ Dieren Primary School showcasing its general assembly^[2] highlights practices that warrant serious reflection regarding our national values, constitutional principles, and history. Why are public school children being led in exclusive Christian prayers at this school? Is this injustice a standard practice across Guyana?

Guyana is a multicultural and multireligious nation comprising Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and non-religious citizens. Following independence, our national path was deliberately framed to reflect this diversity and foster genuine inclusion. When a public school morning assembly elevates specific religious prayers or postures over others, it sends an alienating message to young pupils whose families follow different faiths. In a public, state-funded school, practices that privilege a single tradition risk creating feelings of exclusion among children at a crucial stage of their development. Public school assemblies should strictly adhere to non-denominational routines, inclusive multi-faith observances, or silent reflection so that every child feels fully valued.

As Dr. Cheddi Jagan documented in The West on Trial^[3], nationalizing the school system was essential to removing these historical injustices and religious inequities in public education. Are we still mentally colonized?

Additionally, standard civic protocol for the Guyanese National Anthem requires pupils to stand at attention with their arms straight at their sides. The practice of placing a hand over the heart is an imported custom that diverges from the standard Guyanese civic traditions maintained since independence. In our day, we stood with our hands at our sides.

Instilling national pride and discipline in our youth requires honouring the true pluralistic character of Guyana. I urge the school administration and the Ministry of Education to review assembly guidelines to ensure our public schools remain welcoming, inclusive, and faithful to our national motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

References

1. Back to School: 2026–2027 Academic Year Begins — education.gov.gy ↩
2. Taster session (diocesan choir) | Holy Family Primary and Nursery Class — blogs.glowscotland.org.uk ↩
3. the west on trial: the fight for guyana's freedom : cheddi jagan — archive.org ↩