Minister Mohit: Investing In Parents And Children A National Priority
« Investing in parents and children is not just a family matter, but a national priority. »
Those were the words of Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, as she underscored the importance of responsible parenting during a certificate distribution ceremony for participants of the Community-based Parenting Programme.
The initiative, designed to equip caregivers with practical tools and comprehensive support, saw participants from Belmont, Pleasantville, Carenage, Aranguez, and El Socorro successfully complete the programme.
In her address, Minister Mohit said the role of parenting can be both challenging and rewarding, but through workshops like the Community-based Parenting Programme, parents are empowered to create safer and more productive communities.
« Nelson Mandela once said, ‘The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children.’ These words remind us that investing in parents and children is not just a family matter but a national priority. When children thrive, communities become safer and more productive, and when communities are strong, our nation prospers. »
One participant, Amit Bolandsingh, said the programme offered effective ways of protecting children, especially in this digital age.
« We learnt a lot about sexual education, about parenting in the 21st century. You’d actually be surprised at the types of apps and stuff that they have now – in terms of with sexual predators and grooming of children, and so on. So that was very enlightening for me as a parent in this digital age, especially with the advent of AI to be able to acknowledge and pick up on signs so that you can deal with it effectively. »
Mother of two, Keneisha Andrews, encouraged parents to support one another and remain open to guidance.
« Be willing to learn from others, be willing to learn from adults, be willing to listen. Before someone corrects your child, be willing to let them be receptive of that correction. Our teaching is not the only right way, and we see how it is now in society. We need each other so be receptive to getting advice from others, and that will take you a long way. »
The Minister reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to protecting children by empowering parents with the skills and support they need.
