SJCK sensitizes students about child abuse in SVG

Peer counsellors of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (SJCK) held a week of activities to celebrate Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, from Tuesday, April 26 to Friday, April 29, 2011.{{more}}

The event was also staged to sensitize students about the growing problem of child abuse in the Vincentian society, and the ways in which the problem can be addressed.

Methalyn Job, the School’s Counsellor, co-ordinated the week of activities, held under the theme “Inspiring Families through Positive Changes for a Better Society”.

The week commenced with several displays being mounted in different locations inside and outside the classrooms. They remained mounted throughout the week.

On Wednesday, April 27, the peer counsellors attended class assemblies and made presentations on the theme to all students of Forms one, two and three.

Principal of the SJCK Calma Balcombe said that she was pleased with the efforts made by Job and the group of peer counsellors in initiating such a timely activity.

These sentiments were further expressed in Balcombe’s address at the school’s graduation ceremony, which was held on Thursday, April 28.

Balcombe said to the audience: “Currently, we are engaged in activities on child abuse. Child abuse in any form [causes]damage [to] the child psychologically, socially and emotionally. Mentally bruised children cannot realize their potential; they are the ones among us with no flame to kindle. Parents, you have to create an environment of peace, despite the challenges you may face. Let your children experience the love and care that will set their minds at ease to focus and excel, using their giftedness.”

The week ended with “Blue Ribbon Friday”, which was one of the activities on the National Agenda of the Family Affairs Division for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. On that day, blue ribbons were worn by peer counsellors and were also distributed to teachers, prefects and class monitors, who wore them in solidarity with the cause of preventing child abuse.

Peer Counsellors of the St. Martin’s Secondary School and their counsellor Lucy Theobalds visited the school and were invited to view the displays. They were given valuable information to take back to share with their schoolmates, and they also participated in the “Blue Ribbon Friday” activity.

A news release from the SJCK stated that Job is of the view that many students of her school have benefited from the week’s activities. “Students are now more aware of problems of abuse that they encounter in their homes, families and society, and the support system that the school provides to help them to address these issues”, the release further stated.