Child protection week 2017 - Speak out against child abuse and neglect |30 May 2017

This week is being dedicated to the protection of children in Seychelles and the public is being urged to be brave enough to speak out against child abuse and neglect within our society as well as within our own families, without fear or shame.

It was the Ambassador for women and children affairs Dr Erna Athanasius, who is also the new chairperson of the National Council for Children (NCC), who made this statement in her address to launch Child Protection week yesterday at the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) conference room.

Family Affairs Minister Jeanne Simeon officially launched the week and this was followed by the introduction of the courage programme by the developer, Deidre Blackie.

The aim of the programme is to improve the gate-keeping functions of child protection organisations and individuals across the globe.

It has been piloted in South Africa, Zambia and Lesotho among other parts of the world.

The programme goes directly into the communities to educate members on child safety, building healthy homes and educating residents on other aspects of safety such as HIV/Aids, drugs and alcohol abuse and other factors which impact on family life.

Dr Athanasius said the programme highlights the importance of testing new ways to protect children.

“It is responding to the specific needs of designated individuals, organisations, families and communities to develop meaningful child protections strategies that they can implement and manage effectively,” she said.

As her first official engagement as the chairperson, she pledged to diligently serve to the best of her abilities and to never give up on the children of Seychelles.
“Child abuse and neglect occur here in our beloved islands, transpire every day in all our communities. This is why it is critical that we continue to bring prevention programmes and awareness to the forefront of our lives every minute of every day,” she said.

She added that child protection should not be commemorated only for a week but it has to happen every day of every year and child protection is the responsibility of everyone of us parents, faith-based organisation, educators, community leaders, health workers, both public and private sectors.

“We each have a part to play in safeguarding this sacred protection we speak of. If we do not do it together it means we are perpetuating child abuse,” she said.

Minister Simeon also pledged both her personal and the ministry's support for the programme in the service of vulnerable communities in our country.

“Children have a right to be cared for and protected from harm and abuse. Our constitution guarantees them this right for special protection based on their immaturity and vulnerability. But child protection is a matter that concerns every one of us,” she said.

She added that we should all share the same belief that any young child should never experience abuse of any kind.

“We should share the responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and keep them safe. We should all as partners engage and commit ourselves to practise in a way that protects them,” she said.

Commenting on this year’s theme ‘I have Courage’ she said “‘I have courage’ reflects the strength that we all have to stand strong in the face of pain or difficulty. ‘I have courage’ tells the world that we are not willing to be victims, that we will get up and rise.”

The official launch was followed by a workshop where those present could learn more about the programme and experience in action.

Another workshop will be held today as of 9am to train trainers in using the courage programme and adapt it to a range of different community environments.