I am Following in your footsteps… What are you teaching me... ?
Children will do as adults do, regardless of what adults say. No one has been able to mould a child’s life by mere words and commands. The positive example has to be modeled and this is what can impact a child’s life forever. That was the message being sent at Roche Caiman during the CHILD PROTECTION WEEK BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN ( NCC) and its partners. Networking with community organizations played a large role in the organizational success of the 2010 Child Protection week (23rd May-1st June ).
Sunday 23rd May saw the official launching of the week by minister MacSuzie MONDON CHAIRPERSON OF THE council . A variety of activities had been organized such as a road race around the village . This started at 9.30.a.m and children from various clubs and organizations such as NRA , Wild LIFE CLUBS, CARE SCOUTS AND YOUNG CITIZENS had lined up near the Secti building with various slogans and messages to catch parents and public attention on their need for strong positive guidance.
More messages and advice could be found on eye catching posters and displays of other IEC materials in the exhibition put up by NCC and its other child protection partners to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.
Food and refreshment Stalls had also been erected all around the playing field area and there were lots of fun games for children and their families. Some family members and their children could be seen trying their luck in the hoopla stalls wheel of fortune and lucky dip while other NCC STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS got busy in controlling group of kids having fun in the bouncing castle and walking on stilts etc.
Although it was a very hot and sunny day, groups of children were having a go in various sports such a; football, netball, basketball, obstacle race and tug of war competition.
Prizes were awarded to the first two winners of each discipline and the day ended with a variety show which had everybody on their feet dancing and swaying to the music of Chico Iron kid smash kids, Eastside master etc.
Champsy Accouche’s song “Annou fer manyer donn bon lekzanp nou zanfan” – had been kept for last so as to resonate and echo the message that:
• Children learn from listening.
• Children say things they have heard.
• Children copy things they have seen.
• Children learn actions and attitudes from adults .
And that parents should lead by example – Let us be our children’s role model.
