Dominica observes Universal Children’s Day; calls for end of child abuse

universal children's dayDominica joins the rest of the world in observing Universal Children’s Day on Friday which calls for an end to child abuse.

Acting Minister of Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Justina Charles who delivered an address in observance of the day, said child abuse and child violence remains a serious problem in Dominica and the rest of the world.

“I am certainly grateful for the opportunity to add my voice to the insistence cries for an end to the abuse of children across the globe, Dominica inclusive,” she said.

She noted further that violence affects children’s physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being causing lifelong irreparable damage.

“It is impossible to totally mend a broken child and it is impossible to build strong nations with broken youth, and so the effects of child violence becomes a societal challenge and can negatively impact on the development of any nation,” Charles indicated.

She called upon all sectors of society, churches, schools, communities and families to make it their responsibility and duty to, “love, nurture and protect the children entrusted to our care.”

“Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a blessing,” Charles stated.

She pointed out that this year the Social Services ministry is strengthening its advocacy and amplifying its voice in the call to end violence against all children.

Charles invites the general public to join in a walk on Saturday 21, November from Canefield to Roseau to show the disgust against abuse of children.

The activity will begin from 6:30 am.

Universal Children’s Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1954.

It was established to encourage all countries to institute a day to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and it initiate actions to benefit and promote the well-being of the children of the world.

This year’s theme is: “Stop Violence against Children.”

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5 Comments

  1. Dan Tanner
    November 22, 2015

    Dominicans I’ve seen think that the only to raise a child is by using abundant punishment. As long as that is the case, there will be no progress.

    • November 24, 2015

      The better example parents are to their children, and the more love they show, the less punishment is necessary.

      There are exceptions but generally speaking parents who take their children to Sunday School and accept the influence of a gospel preaching Bible teaching church in their families have less serious problems when it comes to discipline. Wise parents know the church has a lot to offer in his regard and are willing to partner with the church in the responsibility of parenting.

      I am writing as a former pastor, a credentialed counselor, a parent, and a grand parent.

      My wife and I have been married for over 50 years. Our one child – a son – lived at home until he got married. He is university educated, and married with two lovely children. They attend a Nazarene Church.

      The New Testament is the best book ever written dealing with human relationships, especially marriage and child raising. I recommend it be not only read but studied.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill…

    • November 29, 2015

      The Scriptures show us there is a place for physical punishment. But it is not the same as violence.

      Violence is cruel and unreasonable punishment if it can even be called punishment. It is abuse and serves no useful purpose. It creates emotional scars and must be stopped.

      Parents raised in a home where children were abused are most apt to abuse their own children.

      There needs to be pre-natal classes to teach parents-to-be proper methods of providing discipline for their children without all this beating and bashing. One method is called behavior modification. It involves rewarding good behavior so you do not have to punish bad behavior.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Pastoral Counselor Certificate) :-P

  2. Eros-Venus
    November 22, 2015

    The minister should be awarded the badge of courage to come out and speak openly about child abuse. This has been going on for too long and everybody turn a blind eye. When you have a child under your care and this child grow up to be successful, you say thanks god I did a good job, but when you destroy them its a shame and failure for you. I love and respect them dearly and they have rights as well.

  3. November 21, 2015

    This special day to spotlight children and address their needs provides a great opportunity to counter the dread scourge of child abuse.

    There are dedicated men and women in Dominica battling this evil. Government agencies and Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) are making their presence known in the arena.

    There are many good causes. But no cause is more important than that of proving protection and justice for our most vulnerable. Children are our most precious possessions. It is heartening to see them being given a place high on your list of priorities.

    The church in Brampton, Ontario where my wife and I are members is attended by 600 to 700 people on a good Sunday. Half of them are black. I have the joy of preaching to this wonderful congregation in some of the Sunday services. Children are so important to us that we have on staff a paid full time special pastor – a young lady with a B.Th. degree – just for the children!

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

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