INSTEAD of enjoying the sense of achievement which comes along with passing five subjects at CXC, 16-year-old Davina walks around as if she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Davina was taken into care when she was 12 years old because of child molestation; since then, her mother has moved on with a new relationship and now has two more children.

Attempts by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) officers to reintegrate Davina with her family have so far proved futile. Davina and her mother do not see eye to eye.

Her mother seems unable to give Davina the love, attention and security that she craves whenever she visits the home and does not understand why the girl is rude and quick-tempered. Neither party realises that the main reason Davina appears to be rude and quick-tempered, is that she cannot get the love, attention and security she craves.

If the three siblings who live in formal care could be adopted into a loving family, it would help them immensely. Currently, their only sense of family is their devotion to each other and (maybe) a vague memory of the woman who bore them. These children would benefit from a family with whom they can bond and build a lasting, trusting relationship. Although they strive and make social, intellectual and academic progress in their setting, their present existence cannot be compared to the developmental strides they could make if they had the consistent support, love and guidance of a family.

It was a vigilant aunty who noticed something was wrong while bathing her niece. She questioned the child about her ‘condition’ and then rang her sister (the child’s mother) to ask about her latest man, thus launching an investigation into child sexual abuse. During the investigation, the six-year-old attended a forensic interviewing session, where a trained officer spoke to her asking specific child-appropriate questions. In return, the girl was able to give a step-by-step account of her ordeal. This was video-recorded with a trained police officer and a third person in an adjoining room, taking account of the interview.

The work carried out by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is vast, and at times it can be risky and convoluted. Nevertheless, it aims to touch and make a positive difference to the lives of the many children who need help across Guyana. This week is Child Protection week; (22-28 September), an annual event held for the past 15 years in Guyana — and at different times in over 120 countries around the world.

During this week the CPA aims to increase the public’s awareness and understanding about the prevention of child abuse. Protecting children should be everyone’s concern, not just those who work at the CPA. Therefore, communities, religious organisations, various groups and individuals will be encouraged to take action to ensure that children are protected and their rights are not violated.

These resounding messages and their objectives will be highlighted by CPA officers across the different regions of Guyana as they conduct their public awareness drives to highlight messages, such as, the need for children to live in communities where they are free from harm; and where they are supported by adults who can help them develop and grow to reach their best potential.

These statements may sound obvious and mundane to many, but they need to be shared with the public because, strange as it may seem, some adults do not know how to treat children. Due to this lack of knowledge or understanding, children are suffering real pain: and if they do not receive help promptly, they could be damaged for life.

It is therefore a global undertaking by various bodies to set aside a week to educate members of their societies, using appropriate information and guidance. It is hoped that adults everywhere will understand the active roles that they can have in preventing child abuse. The theme for Child Protection Week this year is, ‘Promoting social change to stop the violation of children.’ Children will always need trustworthy grown-ups to speak up on their behalf; grown-ups who care enough to advocate for their rights and their protection.

A march titled ‘Breaking the Silence on Child Sexual Abuse’ will take place on Wednesday, September 25, at 2 pm (14.00hrs) and culminate at the Vreed-en-Hoop Car Park, W.C.D. for a 3 pm (15.00hrs) rally. We invite you to attend our rally where esteemed guests such as the Minister of Social Protection, the Honourable, Amna Ally; guest speakers from the region and other invitees will share the spotlight with artistes and performers on the day.
As is customary, Child Protection Week concludes with a Family Fun Day and Mini-Concert on Saturday, September 28, commencing at 2 pm (14:00hrs) in the Botanical Gardens. Do come and join in the fun.

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