THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has collaborated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to launch a ‘Tell Scheme’ aimed at empowering children to disclose any form of sexual violence perpetrated against them.
Launched at the Regency Suites Hotel

on Hadfield Street, Stabroek, yesterday, the feature address was given by Human Services and Social Security Minister Ms. Jennifer Webster, who noted that there’s nothing about child abuse that is remotely excusable or justifiable, especially if sexual violence were involved.
Webster said the ‘Tell Scheme’ is meant to target primary school children and to raise public awareness in an effort to support the Sexual Offences Act of 2010. The primary objective behind this strategy is to encourage disclosure of sexual violence.
She said it is important to emphasise that a life free of violence is a basic human right in Guyana.
Guyana, she said, is signatory to the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and it is unfortunate that these rights are often violated by adults, but the Human Services & Social Security Ministry will continue to work towards making changes in this regard.
“While the Tell Scheme is aimed at empowering our children, I must emphasise that the role of adults in eliminating sexual violence and abuse in our society is necessary,” the minister stated, adding that it is time for adults to take responsibility for ensuring that children are kept safe from harm, neglect, sexual abuse, and other forms of violence which should form no part of their lives.
She noted that, in many instances, child abuse originates in the home, and no child should live in fear because they feel unsafe in the home. “The Tell Scheme will not succeed if we, as adults, are not willing to listen,” the minister emphasised, adding that the ministry hopes the Scheme will encourage children to speak out against inappropriate touches or other abuses they experience.
She disclosed that there are plans to continue educating children in the classroom through this Tell Scheme.
“It is important that our children are able to recognise when they are being sexually abused, and the Tell Scheme would teach them some of the ways that they can do this,” Webster stated.
The minister said it is the ministry’s intention to make sure children are taught that by speaking out they are doing what is right.
According to her, the launch of this ‘Tell Scheme’ is a step in the right direction to prevent and reduce the incidence of abuse which occurs in the Guyanese society
She urged everyone to report cases of child abuse and/or sexual abuse to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) or the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as child abuse leads to the destruction of a child, and it must be immediately stopped.
She added that child abuse and sexual abuse are everybody’s business, and we all need to speak out.
“We need to give this issue our utmost priority, and we must reach out to provide assistance in whatever way we can,” Webster asserted.
She noted that the Government of Guyana has always taken a robust stance against violence in the society, especially sexual violence, and she assured everyone that swift and condign action would be taken against perpetrators.
The minister said that the ministry is proud to be part of the launch of the Tell Scheme  in collaboration with UNICEF, and she applauded the efforts of all partners involved. She said the ministry would continue working with its partners to urge and enhance support initiatives aimed at helping children.
“Let us work together to secure a brighter future for our children. Let us all unite and take action against child abuse. The time to tell is now, ladies and gentlemen; the time to tell is now,” she asserted.
Also speaking at the launch was First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, who noted that crimes against children is a reality in every society; and it is quite unfortunate that perpetrators of sexual abuse are often persons whom the children trust.
She added that children who are sexually abused often become abusers themselves; and moreover, they have the highest probability of being subjected to teenage prostitution, drug abuse, depression, and anxiety, among other disorders.
The First Lady said she wants the campaign to give children the confidence to relate to persons, especially those in authority, if they had been sexually violated.
Noting that violence against children has long-term consequences, she called on all in civil society to treat this issue with utmost importance. According to her, teachers play an important role because of the number of hours a child spends in the classroom.
She urged everyone to protect the children, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is important for the healthy growth and evolution of society.
The First Lady said she believes it is the duty of all members of society to be vigilant against child sexual abuse, and to educate those around them of the social problems and negative effects that child sexual abuse could have.
She congratulated all persons involved in developing the Tell Scheme, and thanked them for their initiative on behalf of the children of Guyana.