Child Month 2012 Promotes Action Against Abuse

Charlestown Preschool children

(EMU) – St. Kitts, June 6, 2012: The Early Childhood Unit’s sharp focus on the issue of child abuse will continue throughout the month of June as they invite the Federation to adopt a position of zero tolerance.

Director of Early Childhood Mrs. Jacqueline Morris said the chosen theme for Child Month 2012, “ACT NOW! Break the Silence- Stop Child Abuse” is a commitment to raising social awareness about the problems which affect more children than persons can imagine.

“We want to empower children, parents and the community as a whole to speak out in ways that stop child abuse,” added Mrs. Morris.

She told the Education Media Unit that the planned schedule of events, is specifically designed to give children the kind of joyful experiences they should have every day of their young lives while educating the community on the issue.

Minister of Education and Information Hon. Nigel Carty, in full support of the vision of the Early Childhood Development Unit stated that the theme is a clarion call to action. He was very forthright in his denouncement of all forms of child abuse.

“Parents need to be aware that leaving children at home for extended periods of time without proper supervision and care constitutes neglect,” said the Minister. “Abuse has been extended to include such undesirable behaviours as verbal threats, cursing, broken promises and constant belittling. When an adult threatens to kick, slap or knock down a child, that is child abuse.”

Minister Carty urged parents and guardians to safeguard children from abuse, discrimination and harm and encouraged them to take quick action.

“It is important to report incidents of abuse to the Department of Social Services or the Ministry of Education,” Minister Carty advised, “assuring that the Ministry’s officials will be held to the highest standards in terms of confidentiality and professionalism.”

Upcoming activities in observance of Child Month are Parade Day in Nevis on June 9th, Children’s Fairs at TDC Grounds from June 13th to 15th, Professional Development Day on June 18th, Interschool Sports Day on Nevis on June 21, The Family Food Fair on June 22, Staff Social on Nevis on June 28th and the Grand Finale, the Child Month Parade on Friday June 29th in St. Kitts.