Every child is entitled to an education

IT IS stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that every child is entitled to an education. However, some parents do not understand the true value of an education. Having not received a good one themselves, they deny their children the opportunity of having a wholesome childhood by failing to provide them with the necessary resources to attend school, and so the cycle continues.There are, at the Ministry of Social Protection, programmes to provide assistance to the needy; therefore, there really is no excuse for any child to not attend school. Education is an integral part of the person we become in adulthood. It teaches us our true scope and ability, and allows us to set goals and challenges for ourselves. Children love to learn, and from birth do so naturally in a variety of ways, which includes the formality of our schooling system. Herein lies the basis for a sound foundation of knowledge, from which springs self-awareness, self-esteem and self-worth.

Education also promotes better problem-solving skills, better decision-making, and gives children the aptitude to make choices. A child’s education is enhanced even further when that child’s parents or caregiver takes an active role in assisting with homework/assignments, or gives that child words of encouragement and praise.

A dishevelled 12-year-old girl and her siblings were recently brought into the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), where she was interviewed by an officer. She had been found at home caring for her younger siblings, and had no idea where her mother was. The child said she regularly cooked meals for herself and siblings, and did not attend school. While fellow officers made enquiries on the possible course of action that should be taken on the children’s behalf, the interview continued.

This is just one of a variety of similar cases that pass through the Child Care and Protection Agency. In this case, a child is being robbed of an education by the very adult who should be protecting her; and children were left in a vulnerable situation, being put ‘at risk’ by an adult. This is an offence under the Protection of Children Act (2009), and can result in the parent being brought before a magistrate.

Children in state residential care go to school every day. They eat breakfast before they leave; they take a meal with them for lunch, and they have something to eat when they return from school. Why? Because EVERY CHILD IS, BY LAW, ENTITLED TO AN EDUCATION, and children cannot concentrate to their best ability unless they are given nutritional meals.

It is likely that there are more children in Guyana (and the world) who are similarly missing out on an education, like the 12-year-old girl; and wherever there is inadequate parenting, there is work to be done. Children do not realise what fate they are made to endure, until they become adults and they reflect on their childhood. That is why adults must speak up on their behalf, and intervene where children are being abused and/or mistreated. ALL ADULTS CAN BE CHILD PROTECTORS.
We therefore urge adults and caregivers to MAKE EDUCATION A PRIORITY IN CHILDREN’S LIVES. Let them attend school every day. Education can help to alleviate poverty and crime, and give our children a better sense of direction for their future.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the Child Care and Protection Hotline on 227-0979, or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com