The Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts is heartened by the endorsement of the Ministry Of Labour, Human Services and Social Security channeled through the television series, Guyana Model Search(GMS)/Designers’ Portfolio(DP) which climaxes in a massive day of activities on the first of July.

This year,Guyana Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio has set as part of its mission statement, a focus on domestic violence issues, so prevalent in Guyana today. Implicit in this awareness, is an understanding of concerns involving gender equity and women empowerment.The series would address these areas by giving challenges to the participants which would raise a national consciousness in a proactive way.

The Minister was unequivocal in her support of the creative industry as a platform to engage social transformation.So much so, that the campaign Road to Isika assumes an innovative approach to a promotions campaign designed to heighten public interaction and to generate mass attendance at the extravaganza, Walking on Sunshine,carded for Isika on July 1st from 10am to 9pm.At the event,the Ministry will be hosting workshops and dynamic dialogue sessions all day within the Better Living component of the event.Part of this hallmark involvement is the incorporation of performing arts aspects catering to expressions directed at domestic violence.

In a release from the Ministry:

It is the Ministry’s intention to further sensitize the populace using the arts and entertainment to bring to the forefront the issue of domestic violence which is a national pandemic that cuts across all borders, ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, politics and religion.
Domestic violence affects women’s health and well being. It hurts children and families and poses a considerable cost to societies economically and socially.
At that activity, the ministry intends to engage women to discuss preventative mechanisms on how to respond to conflict related violence against women and will take the opportunity to sensitize the public on this issue which occurs so prevalent in our society today.

On Friday 18th May, 2012 GMS/DP launches at Sidewalk Cafe at 7pm to kick off an all engaging season of this fascinating showcase. Walking on Sunshine is a two part extravaganza – Better Living 10am to 6pm and Glamorous…. Walking on Sunshine 630pm to 9pm, where winners will be announced.