Dear Editor,
Imagine the heartbreak of knowing a child in your community is in danger, yet no one steps in to offer help. The weight of that silence, the feeling of helplessness for that child, the ignoring of that child—are we, too, turning our backs on them? Protecting the most vulnerable and marginalized among us should never be left solely to the authorities; it’s a moral obligation we all share. We deeply believe that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility, one we cannot afford to ignore.
This week is Child Protection Awareness Week, a time when all stakeholders highlight the need for increased attention to the care and protection of children. During this week, ChildLinK marks 15 years of unstoppable service to children’s care and protection across Guyana. ChildLinK provides support services to the most vulnerable children, especially those who have been sexually abused, in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. We’ve built strong collaborations—at the grassroots level with children and their families, communities, and individuals, and with agencies such as the CPA, Police, Health, Education, Juvenile Justice, and NGOs—who are equally passionate about protecting children. Equally important are our development partners, such as the European Delegation, UNICEF, and other UN Agencies, in the fight to protect and care for the most vulnerable and marginalized children.
Through initiatives like the DRIVE Project (Diversion Reintegration Interventions Vital for Empowerment), funded by the European Delegation, we focus on diverting youth away from a life of crime and conflict toward a path where they can be supported by their families or a mentor, making choices that promote their development. ChildLinK remains steadfast in advocating for marginalized children and youth. In recent years, we have increased our focus on boys, recognizing that they too need care and support. During this week of awareness, we encourage everyone to be more mindful that boys too are also vulnerable to abuse.
Through the DRIVE Project, we are forging stronger ties with faith-based leaders to foster meaningful community engagement. Local community and faith-based leaders play a vital role in supporting at-risk youth through early intervention programmes, mentorship, and peer support networks. When communities actively support and rehabilitate marginalized children, it sends a powerful message that these youth are valued and have the potential to make positive contributions to society. It demonstrates that communities are concern about their youth including those in the juvenile justice system. Juvenile justice reform is not solely about changing laws; it’s about transforming perspectives. As a society, we must accept that despite the past mistakes of our young people who are in conflict with the law and the challenging circumstances they may now face, they deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Everyone has a role to play in this advocacy.
Further, the future of vulnerable and marginalized youth is not predetermined. Bringing together key actors for safeguarding children is a significant mechanism to improve the reach and care of highly marginalized children, particularly those coming into contact with the law. One of the greatest needs in child protection is building a strong network of advocates to advance the rights and protection of all children in our country. Our advocacy must offer children an alternative future—a better future—one filled with opportunities for growth, education, and community engagement, as well as improved policies, systems, and skills for the care and protection of children. When we stand up and advocate for society’s marginalized and forgotten youth, we not only help them build a brighter future but also create a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society for all.
Now is the time to give hope to children by supporting the transformation of systems established to protect and care for them. This must include diversion and rehabilitation support for youth coming into contact with the law. By advocating for marginalized children, we make a profound statement: every child matters, and every child deserves a chance at a better life.
Sincerely,
Lucria Rambalak,
Advocacy/ Communications Officer
ChildLinK Inc.
