Holland Primary protests against child abuse

 

This year's observance of Child Month has been marred by shocking incidents of violence against children, prompting calls for greater protection of this vulnerable group. 

 

As May and the Child Month observance draws to a close, a placard-bearing group from Holland Primary School took to the streets of Holland Bamboo in St. Elizabeth to decry incidence of violence against children. 

 

The Bamboo-lined roadway was filled Friday morning with chants from students, teachers, the school board and parents, supported by members of the police force, decrying cruelty against children. 

 

A group of young boys sent a clear message for those intent on harming children, repeatedly shouting "Stop raping children!" 

 

In a passionate plea, one student had a charge for other institutions and adults. 

 

"I think the other students from different schools should come to the streets and tell the people as well. So we should protect our children and I feel very sad that people send their children to school and they don't come back home safely because people are taking them, bringing them to bushes and all of those things. I feel sad. I feel like I want to cry. Although it's not my sister, my family, enough is enough. People should stand up. They're just adults and they're trying to rape the little children. Enough is enough," she pleaded.

 

"I feel very nervous, anxious and afraid but I am not supposed to be afraid because people are not supposed to be doing such things to children," said one boy. 

 

Guidance counsellor Tamika Forbes Bennett said students are shaking by the series of events. She called for legislation to be more punitive. 

 

"We need stricter laws and penalties for child abusers. Too much now. We want to protect our children. Our children are the future and they mean a lot to us. It affects them. It affects them emotionally and it affects them as they complete their academic tasks. It is affecting a lot of children in Jamaica," she bemoaned.

 

Child Month is being observed under the theme Act Now! Stop Child Abuse and Exploitation.