In recent times, we have witnessed heinous crimes against the most innocent in our nation: the abuse, neglect, ill-treatment and even death of our young children. These crimes have shocked us all to the very core just as they remind us of the vulnerability of the youngest among us. These instances of vile inhumanity reinforce the fact that our children’s welfare is a collective responsibility – a combined effort of home, school, religious institution, community and State. As the proverb goes, “it takes a village to raise a child”; in these times, we would add, it takes not just a community but also a nation to sustain our children.
Our religious scriptures underline the divinity of the child, in that, children are manifested sparks of that Supreme Being. The pastimes of Shree Krishna as a child are among the most endearingly recalled and beloved of his earthly activities that celebrate the playful mischief, innocence, wonder and love that are associated with childhood. The destruction of these virtues is an indictment on any society. Indeed, it is said that a society that neglects its children is doomed. With this in mind, we must ensure that all facets that contribute to the upbringing and safety of the child are protected and maintained.
At the most basic level, parents are responsible for a child’s upbringing with teachers, priests and other mentors being important but secondary facilitators. In this sense, the family is truly the building block upon which the prosperous foundation of our country is set. Our future rests on our children and their development affects the progress of our society and our world. According to our scriptures, the mother is recognised as the child’s first teacher and both parents play an important role in the formation of the child’s values, education and character. In today’s busy world, however, where it is often necessary for both parents to maintain full-time jobs in order to support the family, child-rearing sometimes falls into the hands of relatives, babysitters, nannies and the digital babysitter, television. Given the variety of contributors in the lives of children and the possibility that some of these inputs may be negative, it is imperative that their wellbeing is constantly promoted and protected. The existence of strong support and intervention programmes for children and the family becomes even more important.
In this scenario, the legal protection of our children assumes larger dimensions. The full implementation of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago must be expedited; especially as this is the core agency established to promote the welfare, care and protection of ALL children in Trinidad and Tobago, to safeguard them from all forms of abuse and neglect and in particular, to provide care and protection for vulnerable and at-risk children. Additionally, there must be a greater urgency in fast-tracking the Children’s Act, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament but which has not yet been enacted due to the need to repeal certain Articles. In the wake of the recent disturbing child murders, it is commendable that the Honourable Prime Minister moved swiftly to establish the Child Protection Task Force and we look forward to the speedy implementation of the recommendations it proposes.
There is also the need to lobby for the inclusion of a Hindu voice on child protection at State bodies. Hindu organisations must also step up to the challenge to ensure that more Hindu Children’s Homes are established to protect the abused and neglected. Having already recognised this burning need, Swaha runs Vishok Bhavan, the Children’s Home in Penal. Nevertheless, the statistics on young Hindu children indicate that the existence of one home is far from adequate.
A concerted effort must be made from every quarter of society to bolster supportive and intervention strategies for our children’s protection. As we set our vision upon another year, it is time that each of us plays a significant role in safeguarding our children’s future.
His Holiness Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad
Spiritual Head of SWAHA.
