National Child – Observer News Desk
National Child Protection Town
The government is taking its campaign to strengthen child protection directly to the public with a National Child Protection Town Hall later this month. The plan is to mobilise communities, parents and key stakeholders in a united effort to safeguard the nation’s children.
According to the ministry, the town hall forms part of a broader national effort to ensure children are protected while equipping families and communities to better recognise and respond to issues affecting their safety and wellbeing. It will also emphasise the importance of collaboration among parents, guardians, schools, government agencies and community organisations in preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner said protecting children requires a collective commitment rather than reliance on government agencies alone.
“Protecting our children cannot be the responsibility of government or the Child Protection Services alone. It requires parents, families, schools, churches, communities and every citizen to play their part,” Turner said.
He added that the meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to confront the challenges facing children and work together on practical solutions that will strengthen the country’s child protection systems.
The ministry is encouraging members of the public to attend and contribute to the national discussion, stating that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that extends beyond any single institution. Officials say the town hall is one of several initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness and strengthening community involvement in protecting children throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
The forum will be held on Tuesday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, under the theme “Every Child in Every Community Deserves Safety.” The event is intended to encourage open discussion on child protection, family support and the role every citizen plays in creating safe environments for children.
