“We must all recognise the risks of abuse and exploitation of children and our responsibilities to keep them safe,” Faerber said in his address at the opening of the ‘Operation Care’ workshop hosted at the regional boardroom. The chairman also stressed that it was vital that on recognising abuse swift action should be pursued in order to stop it, as ensuring that children are safe is the best way to see that they reach their fullest potential, a press release from the Region Three Information Department said.
According to the release, the workshop was hosted by the region’s Schools Welfare Division and drew participants from the Guyana Police Force, the Women and Gender Affairs Committee and the Region Three Crime Prevention Committee. Regional Education Officer Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue noted that children are vulnerable and that parents need to give them more care and attention. She reminded participants that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is at the forefront of creating a protective environment for children through several legislative measures.
Jones-O’Donoghue also gave assurances that her department will continue its truancy campaigns which she said has put neglectful parents and guardians before the court. In referring to the Education Act, she said parents who continue to show blatant disregard for the law will have to face the consequences.
The release said the workshop was conducted by Yvonne Arthur, Consultant, Schools Welfare Service at the ministry. Schools welfare officers Bernice Corbin and Imtiaz Khan also attended.
