–Takes child abuse awareness to Wakapoa

THE children in Wakapoa along the Pomeroon River in Region 1 (Barima-Waini) were given a

double treat recently as staff from the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) visited to offer some useful advice and to share some goodies.
Child Protection Officer for Essequibo, Renata Ifill along with Lorraine Harris (Aunt Lorraine), who is currently attached to the Agency as a consultant for the National Awareness Child Abuse Campaign, visited Wakapoa Primary School, which is situated approximately 28 miles from Charity.

Ms Ifill had previously visited the Pomeroon location to speak to the Secondary School students on issues relating to child abuse, child safety and child rights.
With Aunt Lorraine in tow, this recent visit was aimed at the Wakapoa Primary School pupils where a similarly meaningful talk was conducted by Ms. Ifill to a packed auditorium.
The pupils were very receptive; they chuckled on occasion when the Child Protection Officer

dramatised several roles that children may find themselves in, and interacted as she explained what they should do for protection.
After Ms. Ifill concluded her talk, Aunt Lorraine took the stage to share some stories and poems that she had written for children.

The double treat was concluded when a number of books were handed over to the Primary School for their use, along with further books that will be distributed to two other schools in Wakapoa, namely the Mabel Sandy and Yarashirima Primary Schools.
The books were part of a donation given to the CPA by Mr. Davenand Sukhdeo, Director of the Canadian School of Arts and Science in Diamond, East Bank Demerara. It was the Agency’s wish to share the donation with children in different regions, hence the children of

Wakapoa being some of the fortunate recipients.

Informational material on child abuse and child-related issues were left with the Head Teacher, Ms Jacqueline Perreira, who said, “I am sure the information will be very useful to our students and their parents.”
Mr Williams, the secretary for the village council, welcomed the material from the CPA, and said he intends to hold group meetings so the videos and advertisements can be shared and discussed in the community.