Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, Aleema Nasir on Thursday revealed that after conducting workshops in several administrative regions, there are indications which suggest malnutrition still exists in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
RCC Chairperson Aleema Nazir
She made this disclosure during a child rights workshop held at the Pegasus Hotel to engage students on Guyana’s accomplishment of its Independence from British rule.
According to Nasir, the workshops carried out by the Commission have outlined a number of factors within classroom settings that violate policies by United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
During a recent engagement with the health sector, it was found that some children within the region are suffering from malnutrition.
For other issues, the Education Ministry has also come on board to assist in bettering these conditions.
“This workshop has uncovered that currently, there is still malnutrition in Region Six. In the education sector, the RCC has sought to partner principally with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the settings and conditions in which our children are being educated are in accord with the best practices and are not in breach of the rights and interests of Guyana’s children,” Nasir stated.
According to the chairperson, these initiatives are not only limited to the coastland, but also hinterland communities, where they are trying to create safer spaces in schools that have dormitories.
In Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), there has been reports of deterioration at these facilities.
“Recent reports of deterioration of dorms schools in Region Eight are currently being reviewed… The dorm schools in the hinterland must represent safe spaces for children to receive an education and thus, must comply with all minimum standards and best practices.”
However, they are continuous strides to completely eliminate corporal punishment from the classroom environment. However, there has been a repulsive force emanating from the community level and schools.
“Such abolition goes with keeping with the best practices. Unfortunately, a certain method of resistance have been detected at community and schools with regard to the complete abolition of corporal punishment in our schools and homes,” she stated.
Students from several schools participated in the four-consecutive workshop, which commemorated Guyana’s Independence anniversary and the fight for independence by past leaders.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was present as he stated that youths are the future and should take charge of Guyana’s trajectory in the coming years. He noted that respect must be paid to the country’s flag and other symbols of nationhood.
On May 26, Guyana will celebrate 53 years as an independent nation after unravelling itself from the British rule.
