PRIMARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

SOCIAL STUDIES CONTENT

GRADE FIVE-TERM 3

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Natural Regions and their Climatic Conditions.

There are four Natural Regions of Guyana.

One of the main reason for the country to be divided in Natural Regions is

because of the different climatic conditions they experience during the

year.

The Natural Regions are:

The Low Coastal Plain

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

The Forested Highland Region

The Interior Savannahs

Map showing the Natural Regions of Guyana.

Natural Regions Climate Other Patterns

The Low Coastal Plain 2 wet and 2

dry seasons

Enjoys the cooling breezes

of the North-East trade

winds all year round.

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

One dry & one

wet season.

Hot days and cold nights.

The Forested Highland Region Rainfall all year

round.

Hot wet

climate.

Hotter days and Cooler

night.

.

The Interior Savannahs 6 months

rainfall and

6 months

sunshine.

Cool throughout the day.

Facts about weather and climate.

Weather is used to describe the conditions of the atmosphere over a short

period e.g. a day or a week.

Climate is used to describe the average conditions of the atmosphere for

long periods e.g. a number of years.

Climate is an important factor in the daily life of every person in Guyana.

The people in every Natural Region in Guyana is accustomed to the

climatic condition all year around and build their livelihood around it.

Lying near the equator, Guyana has a tropical climate, and temperatures

do not vary much throughout the year.

The year has two wet seasons, from December to early February and from

late April to mid-August.

Although the temperature never gets dangerously high, the combination

of heat and humidity can at times seem oppressive.

The entire area is under the influence of the northeast trade winds, and

during the midday and afternoon sea breezes bring relief to the coast.

Temperatures in Georgetown are quite constant, with an average high of

32 °C (89.6 °F) and an average low of 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the hottest month

(July), and an average range of 29 to 23 °C (84.2 to 73.4 °F) in February,

the coolest month.

Humidity in the interior is also slightly lower.

Rainfall is heaviest in the interior. Annual averages on the coast near the

Venezuelan border are near 2,500 millimetres (98.4 in), farther east at New

Amsterdam, between 2,000 and 1,500 millimetres (78.7 and 59.1 in) in

Guyana’s Rupununi Savannah.

Areas on the northeast sides of mountains that catch the trade winds

average as much as 3,500 millimetres (137.8 in) of precipitation annually.

Coastal areas have a second rainy season from November through

January.

Guyana is not affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or

volcanoes and although the rains are sometimes delayed, prolonged or

severe droughts are relatively rare.

Changes in weather patterns due to climate change

Over the last century, Guyana has experienced significant changes in its

climate.

The records suggest an increase by 1.0°C of the mean annual

temperature within the last century.

In recent years, there has been many extreme weather events that have

resulted in high levels of flooding especially along the coast and in some

inland areas.

In Guyana, it is projected that by the end of this century, temperatures

can increase by up to 4°C and weather patterns will become more

extreme.

Sea level is projected to rise at a rate of 1cm per year, about 40cm-60cm

by the end of the 21st century.

Such rise in sea level will flood wetlands and lowlands; accelerate coastal

erosion; increase coastal flooding; threaten or destroy coastal structures;

raise water tables etc.

Coastal Erosion

Destruction to Coastal Sea Defense Structure

Adapting to Climate Change

Adapting to climate change is one of the biggest challenges for Guyana.

Guyana’s challenges are further enlarged with 90% of its population

residing on the low coastal plain; main agricultural lands; and all major

administrative, economic, services and infrastructure facilities.

The coast is also relatively flat, which favours rapid accumulation of

rainfall runoff, and which makes natural drainage into the ocean very

difficult. This situation presents severe challenges to the drainage and

irrigation system.

Over the years, high levels of flooding were observed in the country

especially along the coast and in some inland areas.

Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of

flooding events.

Approximately 75% of the country’s economic activities are located on

the coastal area, where the major economic activities, such as

agriculture, fisheries and industries are found. These sectors are extremely

sensitive to extreme weather conditions and rise in sea-level and are

therefore highly vulnerable to climatic change.

The country has already suffered greatly over the last decade from

weather related disasters.

In December 2004 and January 2005, an unusual weather system

produced heavy rains which led to major flooding resulting in severe

physical damage and economic loss to the country, leading to the worst

flooding event ever recorded in Guyana’s history.

The 2005 flood was concentrated in the most heavily populated regions of

the country, resulting in some 274,774 persons or 37% of the national

population being severely affected by the flood waters.

The flooding event claimed the lives of persons.

Although the country is very rich in natural resources, its economic base is

very narrow with a strong dependence on a very small range of primary

products for export. Nevertheless, despite its high vulnerability to the

impacts of climate change, Guyana has been undertaking significant

efforts at the national and international level to ease the effects.

In 2010, the Government of Guyana launched the Guyana’s Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS).

The LCDS is an approach to address climate change. The LCDS aims to

protect and maintain the forests in an effort to reduce global carbon

emissions and at the same time attract payments from developed

countries for the climate services that the forests provide to the world.

Payments will be invested to foster growth and development along a low

carbon emissions path.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Weather and Related Activities

Natural Regions Crops/Resources Activities done during

the wet/dry season.

Low Coastal Plain Rice, sugar-cane, etc. Agriculture, poultry

rearing

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

Pine-apple, citrus fruits,

ground nuts, etc.

Agriculture, logging,

mining, etc.

Forested Highland

Region.

Timber, balata, minerals

etc.

Logging, balata

bleeding, mining etc.

Interior Savannahs Cattle, ground

provisions, peanuts etc.

Cattle rearing, peasant

farming, etc.

Low Coastal Plain.

On the Coastal Plain during the dry seasons farmers have to get water for

their crops. Irrigational canals have to bring water to the land in the dry

season.

In the wet season the excess water has to be drained from the land by

pumps.

Rice cultivation depends heavily on the knowledge of the weather.

Farmers must know when to reap and sow their crop.

During the period of the wet season planting is done while reaping is done

during the dry season.

Draining the land

Reaping rice Sowing the seeds (paddy)

Forested Highland Region

On the Forested Highland Region the heat, along with heavy rainfall

influences forest growth. Plant life is highly favoured by this type of

climate.

Forest growth

Interior Savannahs

In the Interior Savannahs the rainfall pattern helps to determine the types

of plant which can be grown in this area.

High temperature causes tropical vegetation/forests.

Lack of moisture during the dry season results in grasslands – clumps, wiry

and tough.

In the dry season, wetland areas recede and the landscape becomes

open savannahs.

Soils in the open savannahs are poor in nutrients and therefore not well

suited for large-scale agriculture.

Getting crops to produce sufficient food would require the application of

massive amounts of fertilizers and other chemicals, which could lead to

pollution of freshwater.

Wetlands.

The Southern Rupununi Savannah undergoes a remarkable

transformation during the rainy season.

Permanent wetlands expand reaching their fullest and vast areas

flood, becoming huge seasonal wetlands. These wetlands absorb, filter

and store vast amounts of freshwater.

Clumps

Hilly Sand and Clay Area

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is mostly covered in scrub, medium height

vegetation and hardwood due to the climatic conditions they

experience.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Effects of weather conditions on the Natural Regions.

Natural Regions of

Guyana

Effects of weather

conditions

Picture

Low Coastal Plain

-People’s lives are

affected by flooding

and high

temperature.

-High temperature is

reduced by the use of

fans or by air

conditioning units.

However, this would

lead to higher

Flooding

electricity bills.

People have to wear

clothing made from

cotton materials that

are loosely fitting to

keep them cool from

the hot weather.

Fans use in homes

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

People, crops and

livestocks are affected

by floods, and forest

fires.

Movement is

restricted.

Animals are removed

to higher ground for

safety.

Forest fires

Forested Highland

Region.

-. Large swamps,

dense forest and high

lands which make the

construction of roads

difficult and expensive

to build.

-Makes the movement

of goods and services

difficult due to poor

and inadequate trails,

etc.

Construction of roads is difficult

and expensive.

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

-Floods, rivers

overflow, swamps and

rapid growth of

vegetation.

-Pollution of rivers.

-Restricted

movement.

-Threat of diseases

e.g. malaria from the

mosquitoes.

Poisoning from

drinking polluted

water.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC: Definition of Cooperatives

History of Cooperatives

Co-operatives takes place when two or more persons work together towards a

common goal.

History of Cooperatives

The Amerindians were the first set of people that came to Guyana and they

practice cooperatives when harvesting and building homes.

The Africans who were freed slaves who pooled their resources and bought a

number of plantations which they began to operate and manage.

History has recorded how they took the money they had managed to save in

wheelbarrows to pay for the land they purchased. These plantations bought by

the ex-slaves in the 1830s and 1840s were the first cooperatives in Guyana.

The other ethnic groups also practice cooperatives in Guyana. They develop

the villages that they live in.

Amerindians practiced cooperation in their villages and still do today.

Ethnic Group How they cooperated Picture

Co-operation

among the Africans.

The Purchase of Victoria

When the slaves became

free, they no longer wished

to stay and work for their ex-

masters on the plantation.

After emancipation, they

worked for a short time on

the plantations and pooled

their wages. They used this

money to purchase

abandoned cotton

plantations. Plantation

Northbrook was the first

plantation they bought

which they later renamed

Victoria. It is said that on the

day they purchased Victoria,

Victoria Village

Co-operation

among the

Portuguese

they took the money to the

Plantation owners in a

wheel-barrow.

Victoria is located on the

East Coast of Demerara-

20 kilometres from

Georgetown. Victoria was

purchased by the slaves in

1839. The good news of the

purchase spread rapidly.

Between the years 1839 and

1849 ex-slaves purchased

thirty-eight other abandoned

plantations.

The Portuguese were the first

immigrants to labour on the

plantations in Guyana after

the slaves became free.

However, the Portuguese did

not work for many years on

the plantations. These

Portuguese workers turned to

group farming among

themselves. They also built

agricultural settlements at

Bladen Hall on the East

Coast Demerara and Port

(Portuguese Quarters) in

Corentyne.

Co-operation

among the

East Indians.

Co-operation

among the Chinese.

Mourant (Portuguese

Quarters) in Corentyne. Even

the Portuguese businesses

were built by co-operative

efforts and they received

help from the European

merchants, shopkeepers and

pawnbrokers in Georgetown

and elsewhere in the

country.

The East Indians worked on

the sugar plantations all over

the country. At the end of

their contract, many East

Indians settled in Guyana.

These East Indians used co-

operation as a means of

developing themselves.

‘Lend a hand' and 'Give a

hand' were used as forms of

co-operation in rice farming,

house building, digging

irrigation and drainage

canals on their land.

Between the years 1853 and

1912 the Chinese came to

the then colony of British

East Indians

Co-operating.

Guiana. They, like the

Portuguese, practiced co-

operation in the form of

group farming and building

settlements. Two of the

lesser-known agricultural

settlements were Hope Town

and Santa Mission along the

Kamuni Creek, Demerara

River. The Chinese also

showed co-operation in

living and trading together.

Evidence of this can be seen

in Chinese Lane, known as St.

Ann's Street, New

Amsterdam, Berbice.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC: Cooperative Society.

History of Co-operatives Societies

On May 8th, 1948 the Co-operative Societies Act of British Guiana was passed.

Today there are many registered co-operative societies in Guyana. The aim of

these societies is to improve the living conditions of members.

What are Co-operatives?

Co-operatives are voluntary business organizations formed by people. Their aim

is to provide goods and services cheaply and easily for community members.

Facts about Co-operative Societies.

• Any seven (7) persons or more can form a co-operative society.

• In a Co-operative Society no member can have more than one vote

regardless of how much money he/she puts into the society.

• Only the Registrar of Co-operatives can register a Co-operative Society.

•No person or group of persons should use the word 'Co-operatives' in his

business unless it has been legally registered.

Types of Co-operatives Societies

1. Financial and credit co-operative e.g Credit union, school thrift societies.

2. Agricultural Production Co-operatives

3. Consumer C-operatives

4. Retail and distribution co-operatives

5. Service co-operatives.

The School Co-operative Thrift Society

In 1951 the Government through the Education Ministry started co-operatives in

schools. These schools were Philadelphia Church of Scotland School, East Bank

Essequibo, St. Swithin's Anglican School, Vreed-en-Hoop and St. Ann's Anglican,

Agricola. These co-operatives were successful. Since 1957 there have been

School Co-operative Thrift Societies in many schools throughout Guyana.

School Co-operative Thrift Society

Members of a School Co-operative Thrift Society are pupils from Grades 2 to 6,

of a school which has a School Co-operative.

Who runs the School Co-operative Thrift Society?

A School Co-operative Thrift Society is managed by the members of the society.

The School Co-operative Thrift Society is supervised by a Teacher Officer.

The members of the Society elect the officers who manage the co-operative.

These officers are the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer.

Types of savings in a School Co-operative Thrift Society.

There are two types of savings:

Ordinary Savings are withdrawn only when a pupil leaves the school.

Special Savings are withdrawn periodically for special reasons. For example, to

purchase text books or uniforms of payment for examination fees.

The funds of the society are deposited in the name of the school co-operative

at a commercial bank. The trustees- Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer operate

the bank account on behalf of the members.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Cooperative Society

Credit Union (Co-operative Society)

A Credit Union is a group of people with something in common. The members

agree to save money together and lend money to each other when needed.

Co-operative Credit unions have a long and honourable history. They have

been described as unique depository institutions, created not for profit but to

serve members as credit cooperatives by the provision of loans at low interest

rates.

They are traditionally democratically governed, each member having one vote

with a member-elected board of directors and membership is voluntary.

They have been described as the people’s banks. In Guyana, they have

provided a means whereby workers can contribute an amount each month to

a fund administered by a committee appointed by those workers. That

committee from time to time on application by workers makes loans to them

from the fund.

Perhaps the biggest credit union in this country, the Guyana Public Service Co-

operative Credit Union Limited, was established in 1963 and is registered under

the Co-operative Societies.

Members of Credit Union

Members of a Credit Union must have a common bond. They may be

employees of the same establishment e.g.

1. The Guyana Defense Force Credit Union. They may be members of the

same church e.g. The St. James the-Less Credit Union.

2. They may be members of a particular Trade Union e.g. The Guyana

Teachers Co-operative Credit Union - Reg. 39.

1. The Guyana Public Service Credit Union, Amalgamated Transport and

General Workers Credit Union Reg. 749.

How the members save

Savings is done by investing in shares on a weekly or monthly basis. Some

persons give permission for their savings to be taken out from their salary.

How members get loans from the Credit Union

(i) A member must save regularly in the society.

(ii) Two members of the same society must sign as guarantors.

(iii) The member must satisfy the committee of management that the loan

would be used for anything for himself/herself and/or the total welfare of his or

her immediate family.

Some advantages of being a member of a Credit Union

(i) Members amass large sums of money in a relatively short time by saving sums

of money regularly.

(ii) Members can borrow any amount of money far in excess of the number of

shares they have in the society.

(iii) The rate of interest on loans is lower than that of other lending agencies

(banks, insurances).

A guarantor is someone who agrees to be

responsible for the debts that are made by

someone else. In case of any problem, the

guarantor is expected to pay the debts.

(iv) Repayments of loans are easier.

(v) There is no long waiting for loans. Some Credit Unions provide scholarships for

members or their children.

Banks and Co-operatives

The Guyana National Co-operative Bank was established on 24TH February, 1970.

Two other banks were also established. They were the Guyana Co-opeative

Mortgage Finance Bank and the Guyana Agricultural Co-operative

Development Bank .These were set up in order that these co-operative could

borrow enough money to operate effectively.

Training in Co-operatives

There are also places of training to train persons to manage these co-

operatives. These are the Kuru-Kuru Co-operative College which was

established in July, 1973 and the Co-operative Training Institution. The Kuru-Kuru

Co-operatives College is found on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Students are

able to live there while they receive their training.

Guyana: A Co-operative Republic

A major achievement in co-operatives took place on the 23rd February, 1970

when Independent Guyana was declared a Co-operative Republic. Co-

operatives were introduced in all activities in different parts of the country. The

introduction of Co-operatives in all parts of Guyana was to encourage

Guyanese to take part in making decisions, to help develop Guyana.

Facts on Co-operatives

Co-operative institutions are essential, particularly to the village

movement, and the supporting of small businesses, however, they must

take up strict guidelines that needs to be respected by its participants, if

they are to survive and thrive.

Cooperatives are considered an engine for affording opportunities for

those who may not be able to access financing otherwise.

In Guyana, plantations bought by ex-slaves in the 1830s and 1840s are

considered to be the first form of cooperatives.

The buying of the plantations also marked the start of the village

movement. Immediately post slavery, the freed Africans came together

and pooled their pennies, carrying them in wheelbarrows, buckets, and

any available container to purchase plantations and convert same to

villages, which they owned together.―Cooperativism was the salvation of

village organisations.

Credit unions, box hand, co-operative societies, and penny banks are

some forms of co-operatives in Guyana .

Co-operativism in Guyana took off in the 1970, and played a part in the

country being named a Co-operative Republic.

Hundreds of co-operative societies were established to support the

farming, agro-processing, consumer marketing, and the transportation

sector, reaching as many as 1440 cooperative societies in 1989.

However, following an assessment by the Ministry of Social Protection in

2016, it was revealed that of the 1268 cooperative societies registered,

only approximately eight per cent were functioning in an accountable

manner.

Many were plagued with issues of lack of accountability and

transparency. Several state institutions were also set up including the

Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB), which was sold in 2002 to a

commercial bank.

There were also the Guyana Agricultural and Industrial Development

Bank (GAIBANK), which was closed in the early 1990s, and there is the

Kuru-Kuru Co-operative College, which still remains in operation.

Many of the institutions were set up to support persons with finances in the

acquisition and ownership of land, education, homes, vehicles, business

and other forms of investment.

―Co-operatives are important for farming, marketing, exportation, getting

raw materials and commodities, fertilizers etc.

Over the past few years there have been steps to reinvigorate

cooperatives in Guyana. In 2017 the Guyana National Cooperative Union

Limited was resuscitated, which is responsible for overseeing the co-

operative movement in Guyana.

TOPIC-Health and Safety

SUB-TOPIC-Keeping Our Environment Healthy

All of man’s activities whether in the homes, factories or on the farms, produce

some amount of wastes. We must manage these wastes so as to maintain a

healthy environment.

Ways in which wastes are generated.

When mother prepares meal, she gathers wastes from vegetables,

condiments and processed foods.

When seamstress and tailors sew, there are always left –overs or pieces of

cloth and ends of thread.

The farmers after cleaning and preparing their garden plots, gather tree

trimmings. These can be used as firewood for cooking.

Even the smoke which comes from the baker shop’s chimney is waste.

Managing Refuse.

In most villages and scattered rural communities, the households may be

responsible for the disposal of their own refuse.

Quite often it is burnt or buried.

In cities, towns and some villages, the Town Council or Village Council

provides the service of refuse disposal. In communities such as these, the

refuse is collected and disposed of, by means of incinerating or land

filling.

Garbage collection in City

Using the Incinerators

Incinerators are mostly found in the city and other towns. They could be

large or small.

Refuse from households, factories, hospitals, abattoirs, markets and other

places around the city is taken by special vehicles to the incinerators

where they are burnt regularly.

Public Health Laws require that refuse from institutions such as health

centers, hospitals and abattoirs must be burnt in an incinerator. This is

necessary to prevent the spread of infectious and harmful diseases.

Incinerator

Using Landfills

Using a landfill for refuse disposal serves a double purpose:

(1) It is a way of getting rid of refuse.

(2) It could be means of building up low-lying surface.

In low – lying areas the surface is graded to a certain dept.

The refuse is dumped and compressed. When there is enough refuse, the

dump is covered.

From time to time the dump is treated with chemicals.

When completed, this area is planted with grass.

If properly prepared, this method of refuse disposal is free from dust, flies

and other nuisance.

Landfills

Ways to Keep the Environment Clean

Ways to Keep the

Environment Clean

Description Example

Stop pollution Ensure that you do not

pollute the environment.

Make sure your

wastes go to the

right place.

Do your best to ensure

the wastes you dispose of

ends up where it should.

Recycle materials in your

area.

To prevent your garbage

from ending up in the

environment keep a lid

on your trash can when it

is outside.

Make a Compost. Composting at home

reduces the volume of

garbage sent to landfills

and reduces the chance

of some products

becoming marine debris.

Plant trees

Volunteer in

cleaning up

exercises in the

community.

Planting trees will beautify

the environment. It will

also reduce the carbon

dioxide in the

environment.

Volunteer to be a part of

cleaning up exercises in

the community.

Reuse Materials.

Remember to bring

reusable bags to the

grocery stores or for any

other shopping activities.

This will help to reduce

the consumption of

disposable bags.

Acquiring a reusable

water bottle would not

only greatly reduce the

amount of single-use

plastic you use, but it

would also save you

money in the long run.

TOPIC-Health and Safety

SUB-TOPIC-Pollution

Pollution happens when the environment is contaminated by wastes, chemicals,

and other harmful substances. The main forms of pollution are land, water, air

and noise.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the contamination of the air.

Wildfires, volcanoes, and industrial chemicals cause air pollution.

Most air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels. These include

coal, oil, and natural gas. Factories, electrical plants, and automobiles

burn these fuels for power.

The burning of fossil fuels may release solid particles, such as ash and soot,

into the air. It also may release harmful gases.

This type of pollution may be seen in the form of smog over big cities.

Smog-filled air is hazy, or hard to see through.

Air pollution may cause diseases such as cancer, bronchitis and asthma.

Air pollution also leads to acid rain, or polluted rain that can harm living

things.

In addition, air pollution may be a cause of global warming, which is a

steady rise in Earth’s average temperature.

Finally, air pollution damages a part of the atmosphere called the ozone

layer.

The ozone layer is important because it protects Earth against harmful

rays from the sun.

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as chemicals or

microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, or other body

of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the

environment.

Causes of water pollution

Some causes of water pollution are easy to see. People dump garbage

and sewage into creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans. Factories or

cities sometimes release oils, poisonous chemicals, and other wastes into

water.

Other causes of water pollution are not so direct. The use of chemicals in

farming is one example. Farmers use chemicals such as fertilizers, or any

other substance to the soil to help crops grow. They also use other

chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. These are substances that kill

pests or weeds. When these chemicals seep into the ground, they may

make the groundwater unfit to drink.

Chemicals also may drain into rivers and lakes, where they can harm fish

and other aquatic life.

Toxic household and industrial wastes released into water bodies also

pollute the water.

Other sources include oil spills and marine dumping in sea water causes

pollution and affects marine life.

Effects of water pollution.

It may lead to a number of diseases like cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.

It may cause harm to fishes and other aquatic life.

Land Pollution

Littering, or tossing garbage on the ground, is a form of land pollution.

Litter is unpleasant to look at, it can also destroy the habitats / homes, of

plants and animals.

The buildup of dangerous chemicals in the ground is another form of land

pollution. The chemicals may come from farms or factories. These

chemicals can spread to plants and animals. They may even harm

people who consume the contaminated plants and animals.

Dumping of solid wastes such as plastic bags, glass bottles and metal

containers.

The soil gets polluted by chemicals in pesticides and herbicides when

used for agricultural purposes along with waste matter being littered in

urban areas such as roads, parks and streets.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution is a threat to health and a nuisance to quietness and

happiness. It is a destroyer of peace and poison to a healthy existence.

Noise can be defined as any undesirable sound. Noise is measured in

decibel units (dB).

Causes of noise pollution

Traffic build up – when there is a long stream of traffic motorists tend to

honk their horns constantly. This behaviour can result in noise pollution.

Aircraft – noise pollution occur at landing and taking off time.

Industrial operations can cause noise pollution, factory equipment,

generators, electric saws, drills and other machines when in use produce

loud sounds that are unpleasant to the ears.

High volume of music from stereo sets and motor vehicles.

Effects of Noise pollution

It can cause damage to the microscopic cells in the inner ears, thus

resulting in deafness.

It can also cause tension headaches.

People can become irritable and often behave irrationally.

It can cause stress and sets people’s nerves on edge both physically and

emotionally.

Controlling Pollution

Many governments, environmental groups, and ordinary people are

working to control pollution.

Governments have passed laws to keep people from releasing dangerous

chemicals into the environment.

Government imposed fines for littering.

Some companies and people are trying to use fewer fossil fuels. Instead

they are getting power from sunlight, wind, water, and other energy

sources that produce less pollution.

Many communities use recycling to reduce pollution. Recycling is the

process of making new products out of used paper, plastic, glass,

aluminum, or other materials.

TOPIC: - Health and Safety

Sub-Topic-Drugs

A drug is a substance which, when taken into the body, modifies the

body’s function either physically or psychologically. Drugs affects your

mind and body. Some drugs are beneficial, while others are harmful.

How drugs are taken

People take drugs in different ways. Some Common methods include:

Swallowing tablets or drinking liquids — the body absorbs the drug

through the stomach lining.

Inhalation — the body absorbs the drug through the lining of the lungs.

Snorting into the nose — the body absorbs the drug through the thin nasal

lining.

Injecting — the user injects the drug directly into the bloodstream

Through the skin — the body slowly absorbs the drug from a cream or

patch.

Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Depressant Slows down nerve and brain

activity.

Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Alcohol

Hallucinogen Alters what we see and

hear.

Salvia

Painkiller Blocks nerve impulses.

Aspirin, paracetamol

Performance

enhancer

Improves muscle

development.

Anabolic steroids

Stimulant Increases nerves and brain

activities. Nicotine, caffeine, ecstasy

Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Classification of drugs

Drugs are classified as:

legal drugs

Illegal drugs

Legal drugs

Drugs are of two types- legal and illegal drugs.

Legal drugs can either be bought over-the-counter or with a prescription from a

medical doctor. Some prescription drugs are misused and taken for recreational

use, rather than for medical reasons.

Examples prescription drugs

Examples of Over-the Counter Drugs

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs cannot legally be manufactured, bought or sold.

Some examples of illegal drugs are:

Cannabis (Marijuana)

Cocaine

Ecstasy

Hallucinogens

Heroin

Ketamine

Methamphetamine

Why people use drugs

People use drugs for several reasons. These are:

Wanting to fit in

Peer pressure

Curiosity and to experiment

Relaxation

To be in control

To rebel

Misinformation or ignorance

To enhance performance

What is addiction?

'Addiction' is a mental disorder characterized by compulsive consumption or

behaviours despite the negative

consequences.

When someone first starts to use drugs, it is

called substance abuse. We say someone is an

addicted to drugs when they have no control

over whether they want to use the drug or not.

That person feels that they must have that drug.

Types of addiction

There are two types of addiction.

Physical addiction is when a person's body becomes

dependent on something.

After a while that person's body craves more and

more for it, so he/she can just feel and function

normally.

Trying to give up can make that person suffer

withdrawal symptoms which can last for quite a long

time, but slowly get less as the body gets used to

doing without the drug.

Psychological addiction is when someone craves something which will

change his/ her mood or feelings.

They may not get physical withdrawal symptoms, but they may feel

lonely, depressed or anxious if they can't get the things they desire.

A depress drug addict.

What can be addictive?

People can become addicted to a wide range of things.

Drugs - legal and illegal drugs. Examples:

Alcohol

tobacco

marijuana

Some medications inhalants. Examples:

sniffing glue or petrol.

People can also become addicted to negative behaviours, which take

over their lives. Examples:

harmful or risky behaviours - such as breaking things, vandalism, stealing.

hurting themselves - like cutting their bodies.

compulsive behaviours (compulsive means that they feel they have to do

it to feel better about themselves).

Compulsive behaviours can include:

eating disorders, like bingeing on food and then making themselves vomit.

compulsive exercise, where they are constantly exercising to make

themselves feel good, but are really harming their bodies.

gambling, video games, mobiles and SMS, and chatting on the internet

unnecessarily.

Addiction to games on the internet

Signs of addiction

If someone you care about is showing several of these signs, then they could be

suffering from an addiction and needs help. Some signs are: when someone

uses drugs or alcohol to get away from problems or as a usual way to relax.

1. When someone seems to 'drop out' of life among family and friends.

2. When someone loses interest in something that used to be a big interest.

3. Lagging behind with school work, or getting behind with workload.

4. Avoiding friends, or hanging out with children

who use drugs.

5. Selling their stuff or stealing yours.

6. Being very moody and behaving in ways which

are unlike their usual behaviour.

7. Getting upset, anxious or really depressed.

8. Having problems with sleeping or getting out of

bed.

9. Being sick or shaky.

10. Changes in eating - maybe too much or not enough, or eating at 'different'

times.

11. Putting on weight or rapidly losing weight.

12. Checking their phone, messaging or talking on it even when they are with

other people.

13. Spending a lot of time playing games on their computer or tablet or phone so

they don't get to be with 'real people.

What can you do about addiction?

If someone you care about is suffering from an addiction you can:

Tell that person that you care about them and are worried about what they are

doing.

Tell someone you trust about it.

Do some research on whatever they are using or doing and show them or tell

them what you have found.

Think about your trusted adults and talk to them until something is done.

Encourage them to be more active and join in with others.

How you can keep yourself safe?

Keep yourself safe by:

o asking smokers not to smoke near you.

o avoiding being around someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs.

o telling someone if you feel unsafe.

o not being around with that person or their friends.

o not making the mistake of thinking what that person is doing must be cool

because they are older than you.

o never try whatever drug they are using.

TOPIC: Rules and Responsibilities

SUB-TOPIC: -Rules for Appropriate Behaviours.

What is a Rule?

A rule is a prescribed guide for conduct or action.

Rules are important because they guide us. They also help to control the

behaviour of individuals.

Without rules, there would be confusion among people. People will not

respect the rights of others.

A society without rules can lead to discrimination and even cause harm to

individuals.

Rules can be formal or informal, written or unwritten.

Laws are written rules.

All organizations and groups have rules.

Some examples of rules are school/class rules, courtesy rules, traffic rules,

health rules etc.

Showing good manners is also important.

Organisations and persons who formulate rules.

Home – parents

School- head teachers

Class- teachers and pupils

Churches –priests

Organisations such as business entities- directors and managers

Country – Members of Parliament

Major Consequences of breaking rules.

Loss of recess privileges.

Suspension.

Detention

Paying fine

Serving jail time

Systems of rules and consequences are essential in creating a culture of respect

and academic achievement in our society.

Clearly articulated and practiced expectations will help you address

behaviour issues quickly and consistently so you can spend more time

working with others to achieve academic goal.

Persons who disobey rules will be punished.

Obedience to rules show a sign of growth and maturity.

Courtesy Rules and Maxims.

What are courtesy rules?

Courtesy rules would help individuals to have polite behaviours and allow them

to have proper manners. A courteous person will:

hold the door open for someone.

write a thank-you note for a gift.

let an elderly person have the last seat on the bus.

Some Examples of Courtesy Rules are:

If something comes up, make sure you contact others immediately.

Respect the needs of others in public.

Always be respectful towards the people that serve you.

Never embarrass another person. It is NOT polite to embarrass someone.

What are Maxims?

A maxim is a brief statement that contains a little piece of wisdom or a general

rule of behaviour.

Examples of courtesy rules and maxims

Be polite.

Show care and concern for others.

Remember to say please, excuse me, thank you and I am sorry in different

situations.

Enquire from elders if they need assistance.

Rights and responsibilities of pupils.

It is very important to make pupils aware of their rights and responsibilities when

formulating rules at school and at home.

Pupils' Rights

To be treated with respect by staff and other pupils.

To be provided with an education.

To be given the opportunity to develop their personality, talents and mental

and physical abilities to their fullest potential.

To be consulted on decisions regarding future learning and on the

development and review of the school code of conduct.

Pupils' Responsibilities

show respect to others.

behave in accordance with the published school code of conduct.

attend school unless there is a good reason for absence.

be punctual in attendance at school and at individual classes.

attend classes with whatever equipment is necessary.

take care of school buildings and equipment.

co-operate with staff to get as much benefit from school as possible.

When formulating rules, it is important to involve the persons in the group or

organisation and discuss the consequences.

Class rules and consequences

Rules Consequences

Ask questions when you are in doubt

Will be denied immediate attention.

Respect and listen to your classmates,

prefects and teachers

Write letter of apology.

Raise your hand to speak.

Will not be given an opportunity to speak.

Always bring a written excuse when

you are absent from school

Can be sent to the principal’s office.

Can be sent home.

Asked to bring parents to meet teacher.

Respect the property of others Repay the cost to damage property.

Suspension

Do not litter in class Clean various sections of the classroom.

Empty the class bins.

Always be prepared for class Will be placed in a corner to complete all

outstanding work

May be sent home

Ask to bring parents

School Rules.

1. Attend school regularly and punctually.

2. Pupils must always be fully dressed in their school’s uniform.

3. Be courteous to everyone.

4. Respect the property of others.

5. Complete all homework and assignments in a timely manner.

Rules at Home.

1. Respect your parents, elders at home.

2. Study, play, eat and sleep at proper time.

3. Pay attention to personal hygiene.

4. Share things with others

5. Use polite language.

Rules for travelling

1. Always wear seat belts, helmets and life jackets.

2. Do not smoke.

3. Do not carry firearm, weapons or explosive.

Rules for sports and games

1. Obey decisions made by referee or umpire.

2. Follow given instructions.

3. Be friendly to your opponents.

Showing respect for Infrastructure

Infrastructure referred to permanent structures found in our communities and

country.

Some infrastructure found in our community are roads, bridges, landmarks, utility

poles, kokers, playgrounds etc.

All infrastructures in our community must be protected.

We can do so by:

-Putting up signs such as: No Trespassing. Do not dump garbage etc.

-Do not sit on rails of bridges, culverts, throw stones on building etc.

-Follow instructions of road signs.

-Keep animals off the road.

Manners

Demonstrating how well you can behave will allow you to become role model

to others.

Health Rules

We must follow rules in order to avoid contracting viruses and bacteria.

The COVID19 Pandemic caused us to follow strict rules and guidelines so

as to maintain our health and avoid us from contracting the deadly virus.

Traffic Rules

Importance of traffic laws

Traffic laws are important because

they keep people safe.

They maintain law and order on the

road.

A motor vehicle is very helpful but it is

also dangerous and deadly weapon

if it in the wrong hands.

The safety of all road users depends

on all motorists following a precise set

of rules.

Traffic control signals are devices placed along, beside, or above a

roadway to guide, warn, and regulate the flow of traffic, which includes

motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other road users.

Road Safety Week

These are some slogans that are used to observe Road Safety Week in

Guyana.

In the month of October we observe road safety Week. Drivers and

pedestrian must use the

road at all times.

Jaywalking by pedestrians

and speeding vehicles can

cause accidents. These

accidents can cause

damage to vehicles and

injuries or death to persons.

An accident Scene

Visits to school by Traffic Officers

Rallies on Road safe

TOPIC-Health and Safety

SUB-TOPIC-Leisure

Leisure Activity: Leisure is recreation

and relaxation after work or school.

People can relax and recreate in

many places in the community.

Examples of Leisure Activities

-playing games

- reading a book for entertainment and fun

- listening to music/making music

- riding a bike

-swimming -painting

Some of these places where leisure activities

are done include:

playground,

beach,

community centre

park and cinemas.

Park Playground

Community Centre Cinema

Home Beach

Benefits of Leisure Activities

Benefits derived from leisure activities include physical and mental fitness.

Physical Benefits: Taking part in recreational activities can improve

physical health. People who take part in these activities maintain lower

body fat and have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Mental Health: Participating in recreational activities help manage stress;

provide a sense of balance and self-esteem, reduce anxiety and

depression and give you the ability to grow socially, emotionally and

mentally.

Non-leisure activities

Non-leisure activities are important for good health.

They include all those things you need to do.

Some of these activities include:

Chores done at home such as cooking, cleaning and washing.

Work done to earn money such as working in the office, fields or factories.

Work done to enhance the community such as building a bridge or

painting a fence.

.

Attending School Working

Chores done at home

SUB-TOPIC: -Self and Interpersonal Relationships

Sub-Topic: -Events in our lives

Important events in our lives help us to understand who we are.

Positive Events/Celebrations Traumatic Events

Wedding

Death of a loved one.

Birthday

Being abused

Graduations

Experiencing natural disaster

Emotions associated with happy situations

Happiness

Excitement

Joy

Hope

Inspiration

Love

Stress

Stressful situations can create health problems and affect relationships.

It is necessary to understand these feelings and try to resolve them.

Emotions associated with harmful situations

Coping skills can be developed and used to deal with adverse and high-

risk situations. Emotions associated with harmful situations are:

-hurt – unloved - neglected

– sad - angry – violent

- annoyed – irritated – stressed

TOPIC: Self and Interpersonal Relationships

Sub-Topic: Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma differs from discrimination.

Discrimination is unfair treatment due to a person’s identity, which includes

race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed,

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital

status, family status or disability, including mental disorder illness etc.

Stigma

Rejection of certain groups and is manifested by one’s attitude towards

the group.

Discrimination

Discrimination is acting against the person.

Causes of Stigma and Discrimination

-Fear

-Ignorance

-uncertainty and prejudice

-socialization

Consequences of Stigma and Discrimination

People are hurt.

Conflicts result.

People who are sick do not seek help.

Persons living with HIV and AIDS often experience stigma and

discrimination.

How to stop Stigma and Discrimination?

-Educating yourself.

-Stop judging people.

-Sympathize and empathize with others.

Educating yourself

SUB-TOPIC -Self and Interpersonal Relationships

Sub-Topic- Peer pressure

Peers are people who are part of the same social group.

Peer pressure can be either a positive or negative influence that one peer, or

group of peers, have on another person.

Peer pressure can be either be:

Positive

Negative

Positive Peer Pressure

Peer pressure could influence a young person to become involved in

sports.

This involvement could be positive, leading to exposure to healthy

lifestyles and role models, and eventually leading the young person to

become a positive role model herself or himself.

Negative Peer Pressure

Asking a young teenager to engage in behaviour that is against his/her

moral code or family values is a type of negative peer pressure.

It’s not uncommon for teens to find themselves engaging in behaviour

that goes against their beliefs, simply because they want acceptance.

Young people often lack the skills to come up with an excuse or reason to

say no to negative peer pressure.

Peer pressure and influence might result in children:

choosing the same clothes, hairstyle or jewelry as their friends

listening to the same music or watching the same TV shows as their friends

changing the way, they talk, or the words they use

doing risky things or breaking rules

working harder at school, or not working as hard

dating or taking part in sexual activities

smoking or using alcohol or other drugs.

Peer Pressure and Addiction

Peer pressure causes children to do things they would not otherwise do

with the hope of fitting in or being noticed, and of course, this can include

experimenting with alcohol and/or drugs.

Beyond prompting children to use drugs, peer pressure or the desire to

impress their peers can override a teen fear of taking risks. This risky

behaviour with drugs and/or alcohol can result in the following:

Accidents

Addiction

Alcohol or drug poisoning

Driving under the influence (of alcohol or other drugs)

Overdose

Sexually transmitted diseases

Addiction

Warning signs for peer pressure include:

low self- esteem, tearfulness or feelings of hopelessness

aggression or antisocial behaviour that’s not usual for your child

sudden changes in behaviour, often for no obvious reason

trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking early

loss of appetite or over-eating

reluctance to go to school

withdrawal from activities your child used to like

statements about wanting to give up, or life not being worth living

Children at risk of negative peer pressure and influence.

Some children are more likely to be negatively influenced by peers. These

include children who:

have low self-esteem

feel they have few friends

have special needs.

How to overcome negative peer pressure?

We have the power to resist negative peer pressure.

We should have: