AS part of the activities to commemorate Child Protection Week 2010, which is being observed under the theme ‘Caring Communities Raise Caring Children; Protect them now’, the Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security on Wednesday set up booths at various locations in the city, in an effort to heighten awareness on Child Protection and Positive parenting.
Booths were established in front of Courts store on Main Street, Republic Bank on Water Street, City Mall on Regent Street, and La Penitence Market among others to disseminate information on Child Protection and Positive parenting and other services offered by the Human Services Ministry.
Rebecca Pluck, Probation and Child protection officer of the Ministry who was stationed at City Mall, told the Government Information Agency that persons were interested in the fliers, brochures, and pamphlets that were being distributed by staffers.
Philip Anthony, Child Protection Officer stationed at  Republic Bank, Water Street  said that people were eager for the information and that they also used the opportunity to educate themselves about other services offered by the Ministry.
He also said that several reports about child abuse were made by passers by and that the information was transferred to the Ministry for swift action.
Pamela Heywood, another Child Protection Officer stationed on Main Street, said she was amazed by the interest shown by the public and that everybody should make child protection his/her business,  since the effort to combat abuse against the future  generation  of this country must be a combined one with the public and the relevant agencies.
Heywood said the public must be vigilant and that anyone knowing of any child or children being abused can call the child protection hotline on 227-0979.
Child Protection Week is observed in over 120 countries and in 2004, Guyana observed the week for the first time. This week of activities is an annual event held by the Ministry.
Apart from Wednesday’s activity, several other activities have been planned including a family fun day at the Promenade Gardens on Saturday. (GINA)