BEGINS
PRESS RELEASE
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2022
The Department of Social Development and Welfare in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation join the rest of the world in recognizing the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this time a commitment is made to reexamining strategies to support children and families well-being in raising awareness for preventing child abuse and neglect. The Turks and Caicos Islands and globally observes this month under the theme “Children are our tomorrow care for them today”. As a Christian nation, we are reminded by God throughout the Bible, that children are a precious gift, and as adults, we have the privilege and moral obligation to nurture our children into holistic individuals, who are capable of living the full and abundant life God desires for them. Honourable Otis Morris, Minister with responsibility for Social Development & Welfare said, “Children are and will always be our tomorrow; therefore, as a society, it is encouraged that we pledge our solidarity to instil the necessary tools that will help prepare our precious and priceless generation to become the leaders of tomorrow, by being a champion in their lives and a voice that speaks up on their behalf. Caring for our children requires a safe village approach to nurturing them and ensuring they are safe from all forms of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Know the signs and report all suspected child abuse to the relevant authorities. Prevention is always better than cure.” We are also reminded to Teach our children how to love, be kind, Honest, Grateful, Humble, teach them responsibilities, praise their achievements, be a good listener to them, impart knowledge on them and lastly but most importantly, to “practice what we preach” Be the Role Model and Model the behavior we desire for them.
As the Department of Social Development and Welfare continues its mandate in child protection and safeguarding we request your commitment in fighting this battle with us. “No Child left behind” should be the motto echoed throughout our communities, as we are reminded that no one person or entity is responsible for raising children. It is the collective responsibility of all adults to play their part in being the village that raises healthy, happy, productive, respectful Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Listed below are the upcoming Activities for April – Child Abuse Prevention month 2022
April 1 Child Abuse Prevention display at Social Development offices
April 8 Social Workers to visit schools and conduct educational sessions (Provo, North/Middle Caicos; Grand Turk and South Caicos)
Child Abuse Prevention text messages to be disseminated through our partners Digicel and Flow
Set up Parent Resource Library
April 10 Blue Sunday throughout the Churches in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month
April 15 Blue Day for All Public and Private Sector
Planting of Blue Pinwheels at various location throughout Provo
Feet in the Street-distribution of brochures to spread awareness
April 22 My Body, My Responsibility – “The Lady In Me” Seminar on Provo
April 26 Art Competition North/Middle Caicos at the Kew Community Center
April 26 Prayer Vigil, Poster and Jingle competition in Grand Turk
April 29 Art Competition at Ethel Ingram in Provo
April 30 Balloon release in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Remember Child abuse is Everybody’s Business! If you see something, say something! Break the Silence! Let’s End Child Abuse.
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April 01, 2022