SOMETIMES parents have problems, and they need help; if help does not arrive in a sustainable and timely manner, they will attempt to get by the best way they can. This course of action can create more and maybe even different problems. Not just for them, but also their children. However, children are not here to solve adult problems. They are here to find and fulfil their purpose.

When you see children, remember this, each one is on a journey to adulthood, and childhood experiences and encounters, remain indelibly in their minds. Their perception about everything that is said and done to them will help to build their adult character. Children are somewhat unaware of this phenomenon however; they keep going, growing, learning, acknowledging and experiencing different aspects of life, oblivious to how today’s events are shaping their all-important tomorrows.

Olivia decided to become a Social Worker after an encounter with a child who needed help. She studied further and is now a Senior Social Services Officer. The following recalls her first encounter with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). (names have been changed to protect identity)

Olivia said: From the time I moved into the area, I became concerned about this particular family because they stood out from the rest. All of the children in the yard were, fine, fine, fine and barely dressed. Walking past this yard on my way to work, gave me a grim feeling every morning. It wasn’t the best way to start the day. I didn’t want to pry, but the children seemed to need attention. Why weren’t they at school? How were they eating? What were they eating? There seemed to be no structure to their lives.

There were, about five of them running around, fighting, crying, playing or either bathing at the pipe, but seldom did I see any adult supervision. However, I did hear an angry woman’s voice shouting at the children on one occasion. The eldest child was around seven years old; she carried a baby on her hip most of the time. She seemed to be in charge; I could tell from the way her siblings followed her around.

I remained observant, to begin with, I didn’t go out of my way to note the comings and goings, of any adult occupants. My main concern was the welfare of the children. I knew they were fed, and they had outdoor activity because they played in that big yard often, even in the rain. But when it came to the other aspects of their childhood, I knew they were missing out. It seemed so unfair, and yet I kept asking myself, who am I to judge? Most parents provide for their children, within their means. Why should I get involved?

I saw the seven-year-old buying provisions at the corner shop on several occasions and one day I made a joke, ‘little girl’ I said ‘you sure you can manage that heavy bag?’. She smiled and answered ‘yes miss lady; I do this all the time’ then she turned and walked away. That was our first interaction. It felt good to break the ice, and I watched her small frame, leaned to one side, shuffling down the road, hustling home.

One time at the shop, she was there with her siblings. After paying for their ‘Chico’, we left together. Her name is Keisha, I learnt, and she was nine years old. I realised she was undersized due to malnutrition, and that thought disturbed me, but I still didn’t want to get involved. As we stopped at the edge of the road to cross the street, I bid them, goodbye.

On my way to the shop one Saturday, I saw Keisha with her shopping bag walking home. Immediately a smile met my lips. I am always glad to see her, but then I saw something that disturbed me. Unbeknown to the child, a man, was driving slowly alongside her. Then he stopped, and she paused, smiled and spoke to him. I made a note of his face as he drove away, pass me.

Approaching Keisha, I now had butterflies in my stomach, I was angry at seeing her blatant vulnerability. Without wanting to sound alarmed, I asked her discreetly, ‘Who’s that man in the car?’ ‘Oh he?’ she said, casually, ‘Duh is old man. He lives alone, and I does go help he wash and suh’. I learnt that twice-weekly this child would visit the man’s home to ‘help’ him wash clothes, cook, and tidy, for which she would receive a ‘small piece’.

All I could think of, as I looked at her innocent smiling face was the fact that she is being groomed. That fact made my mind up for me; I called the CPA hotline. I told the officer that I know a family who needs immediate help, financially and otherwise. Eventually, an investigation uncovered a partially bed-ridden mother and an absent alcoholic father. The malnourished children were missing out on an education, health checks, a proper diet, and family love, nurturing and protection.

I am glad I intervened when I did, I feel as if I prevented Keisha from being sexually abused and now she and her siblings have the chance of a new lease of life.

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