Jamaica Must Return to Community Parenting – Mullings

Chairperson of the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), Dr. Pauline Mullings, is calling for the return of community parenting, where the entire village is entrusted with the responsibility of raising a child.

Dr. Mullings made the call during the official launch of Child Month 2013 on April 17, at the GraceKennedy Limited offices in downtown Kingston.

“Adults, parents and caregivers, it is high time that we rise up and understand that our duty, our job, our assignment, our mission is to show Jamaica’s children how much we care by shielding them from child labour, sexual immorality, drug abuse, negative media and the internet influences,” she stated.

She also urged parents to protect their children and keep them out of harm’s way. “Know where your children are, know what is happening in their lives and know who their friends are,” she advised.

She further called for more “programmes, workshops and seminars that would teach us all how to care for and protect our children.”

Child Month is being observed under the theme: ‘Children’s Care and Protection: A Fi Wi Mission’ and activities will begin in May and extend into June and November.

Some of the activities include: a National Church Service on May 5; National Children’s Action Day on May 10; National Children’s Day on May 17; poster and essay competitions in June; A youth forum on November 1; and International Day for Children on November 20.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter