NOPCA educates children on abuse

Practical ways to prevent child abuse were today introduced to primary school students who participated in an open house hosted by NOPCA. The event was held at their offices at the old Belize City Hospital on Eve Street.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

Infant students of Ebenezer Methodist School received a refresher course in saying no to child abuse at NOPCA’s annual open day. VSO volunteer trainer Jacqueline Willingburgh and NOPCA’s education co-ordinator Anna Murillo used puppetry to bring the issue of child abuse home.

Jacqueline Willingburgh addressing kids

“Do you know that nobody is supposed to touch you anywhere you don’t want to if it make you feel funny?”

Ann Murillo addressing kids

“Your body belongs to you and you are special. Say this after me: my body belongs to me and I am special.”

Kids together

“My body belongs to me and I am special.”

While the display was small in size it was big on the issues confronting parents in disciplining their children, and the problems students face in coping with abuse and drug use.

According to youth co-ordinator of the school base programme, Lavern Castillo, NOPCA has chosen several schools in high crime areas to focus its message.

Lavern Castillo, Youth Co-ordinator, NOPCA

“Some of the schools chosen were at-risk schools mainly because of the location they’re in. And activities to strengthen the programme, we’re working in collaboration with NDACC, NCFC and the police department to go into the schools and educate the students on what to do if they’re in certain situations, certain numbers to call for information and just to tell them some of the services that NOPCA offers.”

Today’s open house was attended by a wide cross section of primary schools in the city. Ann-Marie Williams for News Five.

National Child Abuse Prevention Week continues on Thursday with school presentations at Hattieville Government and Queen Square Anglican schools. The week is being observed under the theme: “Don’t abuse us, just educate us.”