GUYANA has launched a TACKLE education campaign as part of the national programme against child labour to supplement several initiatives against the practice which is prevalent in many countries around the world.
TACKLE (Tackling Child Labour through Education) is a joint programme between the Education and Labour, Human Services and Social Security ministries with support from the European Union (EU).
It was launched as part of this country’s week of activities for World Day against Child Labour.
Children, youth groups and others marched symbolically against child labour Saturday
Guyana’s observances culminated with a rally after the march Saturday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Rallies were also held in regions Three and Six.
The International Labour Organisation in June 2002 designated June 12 World Day against Child Labour.
Under the theme `Go for the goal, end child labour’, the Saturday observances began with a march through the streets of Georgetown from the Girl Guides pavilion to the National Gymnasium.
At the rally, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Alli noted that Guyana has a proud record of promoting and protecting the rights of its citizens, especially children.
He said these included recent measures like the Public Assistance and school feeding and hot meals programmes.
He, however, noted that world child labour statistics indicate that developed countries need to do more to ensure the protection of children.
National Parent Teachers Association Coordinator Carol Benn said it must be clear that child labour is dreadful, and likely to harm the safety, health and morale of children.
She stressed that child labour is not work experience but exploitation.
At the rally, members of the Alpha United football team raised the red card against child labour.
For the observances, the Education Ministry put on a jingle and art competition.
Winner of the jingle competition, Tirishatha Semple of Ketley Primary School in Georgetown, sang her wining jingle, and members of the acting fraternity performed a play based on the theme for Saturday’s rally.
A student from New Amsterdam Secondary also won in the jingle competition.
Trichelle Velloza from Winfer Gardens Primary and Aleda De Nobrega of New Amsterdam Secondary won in the art competition.