CEAMA continues to build a synodal and participatory Church with the appointment of Marva Joy Hawksworth as its new vice president representing the laity. A native of Guyana and a member of the Macushi people, she was born in the community of Tipuru, in southern Rupununi, where she has carried out much of her educational and community work.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, with a specialization in teaching English as an additional language, and also has training in early childhood education. Her career has focused on rural and indigenous contexts, where she has promoted intercultural education that strengthens the identity, language, and traditions of indigenous peoples.
Her pedagogical work has been characterized by integrating ancestral knowledge and contemporary methodologies, creating meaningful educational processes for new generations. In this vein, she participated in the QBEP bilingual program, where she contributed to the production of early childhood education materials adapted to the cultural realities of the communities.
She recently completed a book of stories from the Macushi people, a valuable initiative that captures the memory, spirituality, and narrative richness of their culture, and which will be published on March 28.
The appointment of Marva Joy Hawksworth as vice president of CEAMA represents a significant step toward strengthening the role of the laity in the Amazonian Church. Her experience, commitment, and intercultural sensitivity contribute to the building of a Church with an Amazonian face, where education, culture, and community life are privileged paths for proclaiming hope and caring for our Common Home.