Caribbean News
Minister Condemns Violence Against Children
#Jamaica, May 27, 2022 – With an average of 34 calls on matters of child abuse received each day by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams is reigniting the call to end violence against Jamaican children.
The Minister noted that corporal punishment, which is defined as physical punishment such as caning or flogging, is still being practiced in the country despite the government being strongly against the act.
“Data from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions shows that corporal punishment is the most used method across urban and rural areas, across age groups, across [genders], across [social classes],” the Minister informed.
The data shows, however, that children in the corporate area are more likely to be exposed to corporal or psychological aggressive methods of punishment than children in rural areas. Meanwhile, the top three corporal punishment methods are slapping, beating with an implement and pinching. Almost 70% of boys and 65% of girls
are likely to be slapped.
“Some parents or guardians even go further with psychologically aggressive methods, meaning they quarrel, they shout, they deny food,” the Minister said.
She was speaking at the opening ceremony for the National Policy Dialogue on Ending Violence Against Children at the AC Marriot Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday (May 25).
The event took place just one day after the world was shaken by a mass shooting of more than 18 children at a Texas school in the United States. The Minister described the situation as ‘tragic’.
“Sadly, we’re all too aware of acts of violence against children locally,” she said, noting that since the implementation of 211 helpline, the increase in calls shows that the situation is worse than previously thought.
She said child abuse is a “national imperative” as in some cases, the abused child grows into an abusive adult which is detrimental to “the health of Jamaican society as a whole.”
“We want to get the message all across Jamaica, that violence against our children is not acceptable, and we should not normalise it,” the Minister said.
The National Policy Dialogue is Jamaica’s premier in-country contribution to the ‘Together to End Violence Solutions Summit Series’, which was launched in December 2020 by the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. Jamaica became a signatory to the global partnership in 2016.
Release: JIS
Contact: Mickella Anderson
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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