Office of Children’s Advocate to Visit Schools in Troubled Communities

The office of the Children’s Advocate has announced that it would be making visits to schools in communities affected by violence to speak with teachers and children.
In the wake of reports of gun violence in certain volatile areas impacting on a number of schools, the Children’s Advocate, Mary Clarke has expressed concern for the children who live and attend schools in those areas.
Speaking with JIS News, Mrs. Clarke pointed out that children have become victims of the violent attacks that are taking place in these communities.
“We are concerned that the children are imperilled and have to be seeking shelter from bullets, including taking refuge under their desks,” she noted, adding that “school administrators will now have to ensure that adequate counselling is provided for these children in order to reduce the negative effects that might result from these traumatic events.”
The Children’s Advocate also said she empathised with school administrators, teachers and other workers who were experiencing tremendous pressure at this time.
Appealing to the perpetrators, Mrs. Clarke admonished them to desist from engaging in activities which are threatening the safety and well-being of children and negatively impacting their development.
In the meantime, the Children’s Advocate is encouraging the authorities to continue to intensify their efforts to ensure the safety of the children in the affected communities.
The office of the Children’s Advocate was established in 2006 for the purpose of protecting and enforcing the rights of children and promoting their well-being and welfare.
Among the functions performed by the Children’s Advocate are: providing legal representation for children in courts; seeking the views of children and their parents/guardians; reviewing laws and practices relating to a child’s rights and best interests as well as reviewing the services provided for children by relevant authorities to ensure that they are adequate and effective; and giving advice and making recommendations to Parliament, Ministers and relevant authorities on matters relating to the rights or best interests of children.