A one day, “Operation Care” workshop was hosted by the Schools Welfare Division in Region 3, at the regional boardroom in Vreed-En-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, last Tuesday.
At the workshop conducted by Ms Yvonne Arthur, Consultant Schools Welfare Service and Ministry of Education, Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber said that it is of the utmost importance to recognise the various forms of abuse of children and take the necessary action to combat the scourge. “Recognition of the fact and appropriate swift action are two important parameters which should be pursued vigorously”, he emphasised.
Faeber stated that everyone has a role in ensuring children receive the best protection and care so that they can develop their fullest potential. ”We must all recognise the risks of abuse and exploitation of children and our responsibilities to keep them safe”, he said.
The  participants drawn from The Guyana Police Force, Women and Gender Affairs Committee, and the Crime Prevention Committee of Region Three, included Regional Education Officer Ms. Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue, and School Welfare Officers Ms. Bernice Corbin and Mr. Imitiaz Khan.
Ms Jones O’Donahogue noted in her remarks that children are vulnerable and said that parents in particular should give more care and attention to children. She reminded the participants that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is at the forefront of creating a protective environment for all Guyanese children through legislative measures.
The education official assured that her department will continue with its truancy campaigns which she noted had resulted in placing errant parents and guardians before the courts. Referring to the Education Act, she warned that parents who continue to disregard the law will have to face the consequences.