The feature event on the roster for this year’s Child Protection Week observances is a Stop Child Abuse Rally planned for Wednesday, September 26, at the Guyana National Stadium, Provi-dence.
The Childcare and Protec-tion Agency said the said the objective of this year’s activities is to remind adults to take action to prevent and stop child abuse. Incorporating the theme ‘Adults, Take Action against Child Abuse: the Time is Now,’ the activities recognise that children are vulnerable and cannot on their own strength protect themselves; therefore that responsibility lies with adults, the agency said in a press release.
Child Protection Week begins on Sunday, September 23 with a 7 am broadcast on NCN television and radio station of the Child Protection Week Message with support from religious leaders and groups in the studio and at places of worship countrywide. There will also be a National Walk Against Child Abuse from the Kitty Pump Station to the University of Guyana road with CPA representatives and partners from 7 am. At 7.45 am, the CPA, its partners and children will make anti-child abuse slogans and paint a mural at the Turkeyen seawall.
From Monday to Friday, community outreach exercises and mini rallies will be held all day across the regions to raise awareness about the issue and boost capacity, within communities, to take action. These exercises will be conducted by child protection and probation officers in collaboration with local
partners including the police, Education, Youth, Culture and Sport ministries and NGOs.
On Tuesday, a Sensitisa-tion Workshop on Child Abuse and Child Protection Issues for officers of the Guyana Police Force will be held at De Impeccable Banquet Hall at 9 am. It will be moderated by CPA
officers.
On Wednesday the ‘Stop Child Abuse Rally’ at the stadium will start at 5 pm. It will be conducted by the CPA and partners. A family fun day and concert will close the week of activities on Saturday at the Botanical Gardens at 2 pm. It will be facilitated by the CPA and youth ministry.
