IF you belong to a religious body or you attend religious services, then you are in the perfect position to change the lives of underprivileged and vulnerable children in your community. But the fact remains that change can only come about if people whol-heartedly put their minds to it and seize the opportunity. In every community, there are children who suffer abuse and/or neglect at the hands of their parents or caregivers. We see these children and adults in our communities every day. There are neighbours who are no doubt aware of certain inappropriate ‘goings-on’ in certain families, but choose to not say anything. Many people do not want to take the responsibility of informing the authorities, neither do they care enough to get involved in child protection.

Children who are not immediately related to them are usually seen as someone else’s problem. As a nation we are not taught to embrace them collectively as ours and to look out for them and their well-being. This measure of protection and nurturing is usually ‘expected’ from parents and family members, teachers or the authorities, (The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ministry of Social Protection.

However, in every community there is a religious body and quite naturally the church, mosque or temple that abide there are visited by members of the community. Here is a good place to initiate assistance for abused/ neglected and vulnerable children. Some religious bodies already have community outreach work in place to some degree. For instance, families are helped with school supplies, school uniforms or food. Adults and children are counselled or given advice by an imam, pandit or pastor. Or an after-school programme may be in place to help children who are lagging academically.

But where abused and neglected children are concerned, there needs to be a more structured approach. One that firstly highlights the severity of these ills in the community and society as a whole; and secondly there needs to be a partnership between religious bodies and the authorities. This partnership will work hand in hand with the CPA to educate parents in the hope of preventing and eventually eradicating the ill-treatment and abuse of children in communities.

It is a fact that children are being abused and neglected in every region of Guyana on a daily basis. This could eventually have a devastating impact on our society as they progress into adulthood. Aiming to address the atrocities that children face now, through any means possible, including religious means, would always be the best option for safeguarding theirs and the nation’s future. Therefore, partnerships and collaboration between entities that are visited by families and children could only serve to enhance child-safety.

Adults from all religious backgrounds can contact Ms Juliet Perreira-Smith at the CPA (227 4420) with suggestions, advice and opinions on how they could incorporate more information and education on child rights and child protection in to their communities. When it comes to protecting the nation’s children, every possible effort should be made to give them the best childhood possible.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION