IN OBSERVANCE, THE MINISTRY OF EQUITY LAUNCHED THE SIDEWALK CHALK ACTIVITIES AT SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Globally, November 19 is acknowledged as the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, while November 20 is celebrated as International Children’s Day. The momentous days both aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children, including their rights to education, healthcare, and protection from abuse.

In honor of these events, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment launched the Sidewalk Chalk Activities at the Gros Islet Primary, Vieux Fort Primary, and Beanfield Secondary Schools. The Division of Human Services carried out this initiative. The Community Services Unit also organized an island-wide Self-Awareness Day for children participating in the Community After-School Program (CASP).

According to the Foster-Care Family Case Worker attached to the Division of Human Services Leah Goring, the sidewalk Chalk Activity complements the rights of a child by allowing children to express their thoughts and emotions through artistic methods. “We decided to have this activity to give the children an opportunity to demonstrate their thoughts and feelings in relation to some of the rights that they are afforded under the Convention on the Rights of a Child.”

Coinciding with the rationale of International Children’s Day, the Community After School Programme (CASP) has played a pivotal role by involving children in activities that foster skill-building and social growth post-school hours. Antonia Rene-Marius, the coordinator of CASP, announced that to commemorate this particular day, children across the island participating in CASP will forego their regular activities to partake in celebrations instead. “The activity is to create self-awareness and celebrate the children in the Community After School Programme. There won’t be scheduled activities; instead, we are celebrating the day. At the various centres around the island, we have individuals coming in to speak to them about the rights of a child and their responsibilities as children.”

International Children’s Day, under the banner ‘For Every Child, Every Right,’ is a powerful call to action. It underscores the universal entitlement of every child to a joyful and healthy childhood. This day, which traces back to the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925, serves as a strong reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard children’s rights and promote their well-being.

Watch video news report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl-W_QXqnCE

Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/international-childrens-day-the-prevention-of-child-abuse-commemorated-in-saint-lucia