Despite the cancellation of this year’s Child Month activities in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the Head of the Early Childhood Department -Venita Thomas, is urging parents to use the extra time to interact with their children in a more meaningful way.
Thomas appealed to parents to get involved in activities that will fill the void created by the cancellation to strengthen family bonds.
She said, “Everyday should be the day of the child and this month we want to make it extra special so we can do little things,” suggesting baking, indoor games or outings, to show appreciation.
She announced there will be special sessions via Zoom on November 03 and 05 where counsellors and representatives from the Child Protection Authority will make presentations on the rights of the child and keeping them safe, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the safety of the nation’s children will be the focus of this year’s Child Month activities, which commenced October 15 to November 15, 2020.
In an Oct 15 press release, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information explained that “Although the entire month of October is officially designated as Child Month, this change became necessary given the need to prioritise alternative arrangements to support parents and teachers for the safe reopening of schools. Therefore, there was very little time to prepare for the month of activities.”
The theme for Child Month 2020 is “Keeping All Our Children Safe,” focusing on their health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The broader theme for Child Month continues to be “Love the Child.”
Due to COVID 19 protocols, activities will be scaled down.
Some of the activities highlighting Child Month are:
• An address by the Governor General, Dame Cécile De La Grenade
• LIVE forum highlighting the theme
• Activities organized by individual schools for students and parents (in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines)
- An address by Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Religious Affairs and Information, Hon Emmalin Pierre
