February 11, 2025
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, recently outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance childcare and protection services in Guyana.
In her first media engagement of a new series, Dr. Persaud emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children, an area that has seen significant growth in recent years.
During a press conference at the NCN TV studio, the Minister detailed the ministry’s expanded services, which have been centered around the theme “Every Child Safe.”
This initiative, launched over the past four years, focuses on ensuring that children in care are provided with the highest levels of security and protection.
One of the key developments highlighted was the collaboration between the ministry and UNICEF to create a new Early Childhood Development Policy.
This policy, set to be launched soon, aims to improve the care and development of young children across the country.
The ministry’s current priorities include early childhood development, with particular attention to specialized training for the care of children with special needs.
Dr. Persaud also pointed out that the government is exploring home-based care options to better cater to diverse needs.
To support these initiatives, the government has invested in the construction of two new day and night care early childhood facilities, which are set to open later this year.
These facilities are part of a new model that seeks to provide comprehensive care for young children.
Additionally, the ministry is planning to establish a rapid response team to address cases of child abuse.
However, Dr. Persaud noted that there is a shortage of childcare and protection officers, with only 48 currently serving nationwide, which remains a significant challenge for the ministry.
The government’s ongoing efforts to enhance childcare services are expected to continue evolving, with a strong focus on improving both the quantity and quality of care available to vulnerable children across the country.
