St Ignatius Secondary targets child abuse in youth rally

St Ignatius Secondary School hosted a youth rally on Tuesday to bring awareness on child abuse to commemorate Youth Week 2018.
Residents of Lethem watched in awe as some 700 students marched down the streets of Lethem holding placards and chanting “We are the Future”; “Don’t touch me, I go talk” and “Stop Child Abuse.”

Head Teacher Yvette Archer stood up and passionately addressed the issue that has plagued the Indigenous communities of the Rupununi. She declared that “is not our culture, it is not for the Indigenous children, we will not be silent, and we are sending a message to the communities.” She encouraged students to be aware of child abuse and to be brave to stand where there is injustice.
The students were treated to cultural presentations and a special presentation by Red Tread who spoke about violence against women.
Lethem’s Town Queen, Alliayah Anthony spoke about how young women were taught to behave in a certain way to earn respect, but were never taught about the predators that lurk about. She told students to remain strong as they stand against all forms of child abuse.
A touching song came from Ashley Gill, who stressed that artistes must stop degrading women in their songs.
Dr Alex D’Aguiar of Lethem Public Hospital voiced his support for students and even told them to embrace the changes that their bodies were going through, but they must be cautious.