CDA Hosts Awards Ceremony for Children

As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, the Child Development Agency (CDA) hosted an awards ceremony for the participants of its poster competition, on February 5.

Under the theme: ‘Protecting Children, Transforming Lives, Securing the Future’, the CDA invited children from across the island to express their views surrounding child protection in Jamaica and the role of the agency, through art.

Speaking at the function, held at the Jamaica Library Service, Tom Redcam Drive, in Kingston, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDA, Rosalee Gage-Grey, said that the agency is focusing its activities on the prevention of child abuse and the protection of children.

“We have taken steps to engage the community to deepen the commitment to caring for children and preventing child abuse,” she informed.

The Circle of Care family and community series is a public education campaign launched by the CDA “to share with parents and guardians across the island, positive methods of protecting and raising children, while encouraging other members of the society to be vigilant in protecting against child abuse,” the CEO added.

Meanwhile, CDA Advisory Board member and Senior Research Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute for Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), Dr. Aldrie Henry-Lee, said that the Government is committed to ensuring the participation of all children and “we have the poster competition (as) a perfect example of the participation of children.”

“We need to help children to participate more, so that they too can become confident, motivated and patriotic adults,” Dr. Henry-Lee said.

Senior Director of the Children’s Affairs Division, Grace-Ann McFarlane, brought greetings from the Ministry of Youth and Culture, and congratulated the participants of the poster competition.

“What we are seeing here today speaks volumes of the importance of affording children an opportunity to participate in issues affecting them as they too have an opinion. As the Ministry of Youth and Culture continues its thrust to promote child participation…we pledge our continued support to improving the lives of our nation’s children, one young mind at a time,” she said.

More than 30 students from across the island enrolled in primary, preparatory, secondary and child care institutions participated in the competition. The participants who competed in the age categories of 6 to 8; 9 to 13; and 14 to 17 covered the themes: ‘Parents and communities play an important role in protecting the rights of children’; ‘My vision of Jamaica fit for children is…’ as well as the theme under which the CDA is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Judging was based on age range, visual appeal and the best illustration of the selected message.

Other events include the agency’s annual Bless the Children prayer vigil and concert to mark World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse; Jamaica Fit for Children 5k run/walk; and push cart derby. Proceeds raised will go towards funding for the construction of a therapeutic residential centre, which will provide treatment for children traumatized by abuse.