-as Child Protection Week is observed 
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through the Child Protection Agency, yesterday began a week of activities in several areas across the country.  Several countrywide events, including a grand school rally in Mahdia and several community outreaches in Sophia, Mocha-Arcadia and Linden were among the activities held yesterday.
The agency also conducted two television programmes in Linden and Berbice.
Personnel from the agency used the opportunity to interact with residents of the various communities, educating them on social issues, including responsible and positive parenting.
Citizens were also informed about the five pieces of legislation that the agency has mandate over: the Protection of Children’s Bill, Status of Children’s Bill, Adoption of Children’s Bill, Child Care and Development Services Bill, and Custody, Guardianship, Maintenance and Access Bills.
Child Protection Week is being observed under the theme “Community Partnerships for child protection”.
Child Protection Week, observed in 120 countries, from September 18 to 24, is meant to raise the level of awareness on issues relating to children, including child abuse and to propel individuals and groups into action to keep children safe.
The Government Information Agency caught up with Concheeta Gray, a senior Child Protection Officer of the Child Protection Agency in Sophia. She said that the agency is calling on all groups, agencies and the public at large to work closely to rid the society of all forms of abuse against children.
She said that protection of Guyana’s children requires a national effort from every section of society.
Gray also said that government, through the agency, has shown its commitment to the development of children and has been working passionately to fulfil its mandate. However, the public needs to ensure that their (children’s) rights are upheld.
“Anyone knowing of any child being abused has a responsibility and duty to uphold to ensure that the child is protected by reporting the issue to the Child Protection Agency, on telephone number 227-0979,” Gray said. 
The Agency has planned a series of activities to raise public awareness on the issue of child protection. Some of the other events include countrywide exhibitions and street fairs, concerts and a day of interaction.
In 2006, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) committed to children’s development and it has been working tirelessly to fulfil that mandate. (GINA)