The recent headlines of tragedies involving several of our tender, young and vulnerable children have brought tears to many and have evoked anger in some. For others, such news has stirred a need to create widespread awareness of the requirements of these youthful citizens of our nation. One educational institution in Sangre Grande has decided to embark upon a project whereby the public would be reminded of the rights of every child and their need to live normal lives.
With this in mind, the staff and students of SWAHA Sangre Grande ECCE Centre recently held a SWAHAthon in the community of Coalmine. The theme chosen for the walk was ‘The Rights of a Child’. Holding up placards, the tiny tots, aged three and four years old, sent a powerful message that children have the same general human rights as adults and that they need special care and protection. With their tiny footsteps they led the parade and encouraged all to recognise, respect and have regard for their rights.
Some of the placards provided stern reminders to the community of these tender and vulnerable citizens. Some of them read: ‘I have a right to life and to live’, ‘I have a right to be protected’, ‘I have a right to express myself’.
Pt. Balram Persad, Director of Education in SWAHA, explained that all children are forms of God on earth and as such, should be treated with the highest regard. He said that childhood is a time of evolving capabilities and our little ones must spend this period of their lives in an environment where they are given the opportunity to unfold and bloom. Recognition must be given to their unique developmental needs. They are the future.
As the students held up their placards and marched with tiny footsteps, their innocent faces signalled to everyone that they should be allowed access to all their rights if they are to survive and develop fully. At the ECCE centre, Senior Teacher Mrs Vashti Rampersad, other staff members, Ms Indira Mohammed, Ms Stacy Patteia, Ms Nisha Nowbut-Jaggarnath and administrator, Ms Patricia Nanan, ensure that their charges engage in activities that facilitate their physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social development. Indeed, such positive news amid all the reports of child abuse offers hope for our children and for the future of our nation.
