Caribbean News
Turks & Caicos Celebrates Universal Children’s Day
#TurksandCaicos, November 22, 2022 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Communication, in its continuous mandate to protect and promote the rights of all children, joins the rest of the world in celebrating Universal Children’s Day, also recognized as World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (WDPAC) under the theme “A Better Future for Every Child”, with a focus on the four umbrella principles of the convention on the rights of the child:
- Non-Discrimination
- Best Interest of the Child
- Right to life, survival & development and
- Respect for the Views of Children.
November 20, 2022 will globally mark the 32nd anniversary of the most widely sanctioned human rights treaty in history, Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is the first binding agreement, that 194 Country world leaders pledged a commitment to fulfill the civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of children and adolescents. As a result of the Convention, children now have a distinct set of rights regardless of race, color, sex, creed or other status.
The Turks and Caicos Islands in its continuous commitment to protecting the rights of children has helped transform the lives of children throughout the islands. A significant number of laws and regulations have been passed to protect, support and improve the status of children and their families.
In support of A Better Future for Every Child, it is important that the movers, shakers and change makers of our nations, set precedence and become cognizant of the opportunities to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights. Its then and only then that our people will recognize the grave significances and the inevitability of embracing children’s rights for a better tomorrow.
As we ponder on what a ‘Better Future for Every Child ’looks like in the TCI, let us focus on a world where every child is not only enrolled in school, but there is an inclusive education system at all levels. Let’s focus on a world where every child is safe from harm, a future where mental health matters, where bedside registration is a reality and in progress and not still lingering in the air. A world where there are no stateless children because every child is given an identity. A world where children are empowered to think beyond their limitations and given a fair opportunity to reach their full potentials and enjoy an adequate standard of living. A world free from stigmatization and open to seeing children as children regardless of nationality, socio economic status and bloodline.
Children are our most valuable assets and as such, every child deserves to thrive and survive in our beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. As we move forward in our continuous fight for children’s rights, let us remember that every child deserves an adult champion, who are agents of change, who are willing to fight in their corner. Let’s us remain mindful as a nation, that children are observing and modelling the adults in their lives and taking the lead from them. Turks and Caicos for a Better Future for Every Child, let us become the change that we want to see.
The Children Are Our Future, Let Us Care for Them Today. Happy Universal Children’s Day!
Activities in commemoration of Universal Children’s Day:
- Churches will incorporate the theme into their services and prayer groups
- Social Workers to visit the various schools on island to provide education on the four umbrella principles of the convention on the rights of the child.
- Various school on island to host a fun day in observance of Universal Children’s Day 2022, where teachers are expected to interchange their roles by dressing ‘kiddie like/ playful/ whimsical, and hosting a free entertaining, hilarious, upbeat, colourful concert with ‘out of this mind performances’ by teachers and staff for their students.
- The Department of Social Development and Welfare will surprise a few schools across the islands with goodies to enhance the day.
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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