Workshop tasked to improve care of vulnerable children

Source: Guyana Chronicle, 10th May 2008

A THREE-DAY workshop, aimed at strengthening and improving the capacity of caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in residential institutions, began yesterday in Regency Suites Hotel, on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

It was organised by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, with sponsorship by the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) of the Ministry of Health.

Permanent Secretary in the organising Ministry, Mr. Trevor Thomas charged the participants to use different methods with each, recognising that every child is special.

Towards that objective, he said the ministry will be fully supportive, not only with technical assistance and training but other ways, to ensure that capacity is built for the quality upbringing of those vulnerable.

“If we all work together, we can be more effective in providing quality care for vulnerable children,” he posited, adding that standards must be developed to look at the challenges.

Thomas maintained that vulnerable children must be given the necessary support and attention and, therefore, caregivers have to recognise that they cannot effectively carry out their duties unless they know how important it is to be supportive of their charges.

The main aim of the seminar is to better the quality of care for orphans and vulnerable children and the implementation of minimum standards are to be agreed.

Thomas observed that orphanages must have a certain number of caregivers and some of the problems they face would also be addressed, as well as child abuse and protection and the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.

He said homes must be capable of dealing with children who are affected by HIV/AIDS and he exhorted those at the forum to make valuable contributions to a collective effort at delivering quality care, attention and services to vulnerable children who are rightfully deserving.

Topics on the agenda for the three-day duration include:

* physical growth and development of the child;

* stages of child development and the dynamics of children with challenging behaviours;

* coping with child homosexuality;

* understanding HIV/AIDS;

* maintaining safe and healthy environments and children’s nutritional needs;

* common illnesses and health problems and preventing infections and

* indications of stress in children and discipline versus punishment.