AS THE Government moves to create awareness of the importance of the prevention of child abuse to ensure that Guyana’s children are protected, and their rights are not violated, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is preparing to celebrate Child Protection Week 2014.Child Protection Week is observed in more than 120 countries around the world at different times of the year, under different themes.
According to a press release from the Ministry, “In Guyana, Child Protection Week is used to encourage individuals, local communities and groups, including faith based organisations, to take action to ensure that children’s rights are not violated, and that they live in communities free from harm and abuse. These efforts are aimed at preventing and reducing child abuse and neglect in our society, by instilling the core principle that child protection is everyone’s business.”
The ministry said it is aware that child protection cannot be accomplished by any single entity, but rather the commitment and collaboration of the entire society.
The activities planned for the observance of Child Protection Week 2014 to engage persons at the community level, to increase their awareness of the plight of abused children, and to highlight areas of continued partnership with all stakeholders include: the main event the annual rally on “Breaking the silence on child sexual abuse”, to be held on September 24, from 16:30hrs at the National Park.
Other activities include: booth day-interaction with the general public and distribution of pamphlets on child abuse awareness and good parenting practices in Regions 2, 5, 7 and 8, from September 23 through 27. Power point presentations and discussions on child abuse awareness will be held in Region 1 on September 22 and 23. Power point presentations on alternative discipline methods, film and discussion – child abuse awareness, school quiz competition, foster care documentary, sensitisation session, and child protection fair will be held in Region 4 and other regions from September 24 to 27.
Further, community outreach, house to house visits, distribution of flyers, early childhood development seminar with fathers on their roles and responsibilities, child protection rally- breaking the silence on child sexual abuse, television panel discussion among other activities will be held in observance of Child Protection Week 2014. Activities will be held in all 10 regions.
The Ministry urges the general public to join it and be part of the drive to end child abuse which impacts the social and economic fabric of the country. All cases of child abuse or neglect can be reported to the hotline on 227-0979. (GINA)