SCORES of schoolchildren, dressed in their different colour uniforms and armed with placards, marched along the public road, from Richmond to Anna Regina, yesterday in observance of ‘International Day against Child Labour’. The march in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) was under the theme ‘Child labour hurts, let’s stay in school’.
Addressing the gathering at Anna Regina Multilateral School (ARMS), Regional Education Officer, Ms. Leslyn Charles said the job of the Ministry of Education is to ensure that students stay in school and complete their education.
She said the Government has put all the appropriate facilities in schools to encourage learning and she encouraged the children to stay in school and not get involved in child labour because it hurts.
Speaking on behalf of the regional administration, the Personnel Officer, Ms. Shivon Kishore, said the occasion is very important and critical to the wellbeing of children.
She said the Government will always give priority to students’ education and called on adults to protect the rights of children and ensure they get a full education.
Senior Welfare Officer, Ministry of Labour and Human Services, Mr. Mahindra Thakurdat told the students that his ministry works to prevent child labour in Guyana.
Labour Officer in Region Two, Mr. Jason Narine, noted that child labour is illegal in this country and the Government has enacted laws to combat the illegality which is taking place, mostly, in the interior, especially in the gold and diamond fields.
He said the Labour Ministry has stepped up workplace inspections countrywide to combat child labour.
Another officer from the same ministry, Mr. Haimraj Hamandeo who also spoke on the occasion, acknowledged that the problem continues to be a challenge.
He said one of the main causes of child labour is poverty.
Students in attendance at the rally recited poems and sang songs, as well.