THE school welfare division of the department of Education, Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) yesterday launched the “Be Safe” workshop at the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School.
The two days workshop under the theme “Eyes On The young Generation” was declared open by Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, Regional Information Officer, Jaidev Dudhnath said.
Addressing approximately 25 teachers, Faerber said that it is of paramount importance that children’s activities be monitored very closely on a regular basis. “Children need help and we have to nurture them from a very tender age, so that they can grow up with the appropriate skills and morals. We must employ the appropriate mechanism to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Communication among parents, teachers and children and even community members is a critical element in the prevention of sexual and physical abuse of children and even adults”, Faerber stated.
Noting that domestic violence and child abuse are very prevalent in our society, Faerber said that government through the Ministry of Human Services and Social security have enacted several pieces of legislation to combat the scourge, which he opined has taken a severe toll on society.
He told the gathering that no violence is justifiable and urged that all should be involved to rid the society of this inhumane phenomenon.
Faerber congratulated the Organiser and teachers for showing a deep sense of care and concern by their attendance. He also urged the participants to impart the knowledge gained from the workshop to children and parents.
Giving an overview of the “Be Safe” programme, coordinator Ms. Shantel Maloney stated that the programme which started in October 2008 has recognised that in Guyana 8-10% of girls and 2-5% of boys have been sexually abused while 16% of boys and 14% of girls have been physically abused.
Ms. Maloney stated that the programme seeks to raise awareness of child safety in local communities and emphasised that education and training can be useful tools in reducing the incidences of child abuse.
