The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched a series of events in observance of Child Protection Week, which runs from September 22 to 28, 2024, under the theme “Keeping Every Child Safe and Committing Towards Robust Child Protection.”
The annual initiative aims to raise awareness about child abuse and promote strategies for safeguarding children.
The highlight of this year’s observance is the Annual Child Protection Rally, set to take place at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus in Berbice.
According to Sherri-Ann Francois, Manager of the Family Services Department at the Ministry, the rally will focus on engaging children in various activities, while also providing education on critical issues like bullying, self-esteem, decision-making, and personal hygiene.
Francois emphasized the importance of involving children directly in these activities to help them make better choices and to build their awareness of child protection matters.
Additionally, the Ministry is offering parenting programs designed to enhance parenting skills, reduce instances of child abuse, and prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families.
Other activities planned throughout the week include an Inter-School Poetry Competition, the “Every Child Safe” Campaign in schools, stakeholder consultations, workshops, and a vision screening initiative that has already commenced in schools.