IN a bid to combat issues of child labour, nine Toshaos representing villages in Region Two participated in a crucial interactive session on Tuesday.

Led by Gillian Burton-Persaud, Adviser to the Minister of Labour, and Dhaneshwar Deonarine, Chief Labour Officer, the session aimed to shed light on the detrimental effects of subjecting children to exploitative labour practices.

The event, which took place under the guidance of Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, underscored the ministry’s unwavering commitment to eradicating child labour.

Representatives from villages including Bethany, Mashabo, Capoey, Mainstay/Whyaka, St. Denys, Kabakaburi, St. Monica/Karawab, Akawini, and Wakapoa gathered to engage in discussions on strategies to prevent child labour and the importance of community involvement in this endeavour.

During the session, Burton-Persaud and Deonarine elucidated various initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour aimed at curbing child labour. Emphasising the physical and emotional toll such practices inflict on children, they stressed the urgency of eliminating all forms of child labour.

Furthermore, the ministry’s representatives highlighted the significance of forging partnerships with community leaders and stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue. They underscored the pivotal role these leaders, alongside community members, can play in assisting authorities to identify and address instances of child labour.

Minister Joseph Hamilton’s tenure has seen concerted efforts by the Labour Department to raise awareness and combat child labour. Through sensitisation sessions conducted in rural villages and schools, as well as public-engagement events, the ministry has worked tirelessly to educate communities about the detrimental effects of child labour and garner support for its eradication.

As the Ministry of Labour continues to take strides towards its goal of eliminating child labour, such collaborative efforts with community leaders signal a proactive approach in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across the region.