Children’s Week begins
It used to be that Belizean children simply celebrated Children’s Day with a party, a field trip or a concert. But over the past couple of years, agencies which promote children’s causes have taken the opportunity to host an entire week of activities to raise public awareness. Last year, the need for children to be in school was highlighted. This year, all forms of child abuse will be discussed with the children and they will be given the opportunity to express their views. Activities this week include art and writing contests, storytelling by seniors, classes in “Good Touch, Bad Touch” and a march against abuse on Friday. News Five was at the Children’s Week opening ceremonies at the Bliss Institute.
Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos Garcia opened Children’s Week this morning urging Belizean children to not only enjoy themselves but consider this year’s theme.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development
“I do hope that the awareness of all our children as well as everyone in our society will be raised to this week’s Children’s Week, which is, “What you make of us today is what you will get tomorrow, stop child abuse.” The reporting of child abuse is as I believe is done much now-a-days. What I would really like to see is our society to pledge ourselves to make sure that our children are respected, protected and that their dignity is preserved.”
Art and essay competitions were also held leading up to this week’s events. The students of Wesley Middle School won first, second and third place for the competition. A student from Belmopan Comprehensive School entered the competition for secondary schools and as a result will be representing Belize at a conference in New York.
Ckri Gill, Winner, Essay Competition
“I wrote about I want to be in a safe society because I am special and I deserve it and everyone else deserves to be in a safe society.”
Tifarra Spencer, Second Place Winner
“I wrote about that the society should make a new life for the children on the street that have been neglected.”
Jamaal King, Third Place Winner
“I wrote about that you should tell your children some good words.”
Q: “Why do you think parents should tell their children good words?”
Jamaal King
“Because when they grow bigger they will do the same to their children.”
Khalilah Enriquez, Student, Belmopan Comprehensive School
“Basically my essay was all about how people treat people. It’s about ethics. I notice that ethics varies from place to place, culture to culture. In Belize a good example of this is the Mayas and the Creoles. Mayan children marry very young, especially their girls.
I am feeling a bit excited and a bit nervous. I believe that I can represent my country well and I will try my best.”
While Children’s Week and its theme of stopping child abuse is being highlighted this Friday, Minister of Human Development recognizes that children are being sexually abused on a regular basis.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia
“We are working very closely with the National Committee for Families and Children but we are also working quickly to put in place the regulations that will make the reporting of child abuse and sexual abuse mandatory. So it will be extending the responsibility of everyone in society. So if they know of a case that is going on they must report it to a health worker, to a social worker, to the police, to the Family Court. So we will be making sure that people out there know that there will be serious consequences for messing around with our children.”
Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
Workshops were held last month to help teachers lead class discussions on abuse. On Wednesday there will be a Workshop for Children on AIDS facilitated by the Pediatric Medical Congress.
