BY JOY OFASIA
CHILDREN in the Solomon Islands are everyday vulnerable to physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, thus, they need a safe and supportive environment, warned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Dr Cedrick Alependava.
Dr Alependava advised Solomon Islanders that already this is a worrying situation and concern that needs to be considered by leaders, parents, guidance, family, individuals and communities throughout the country.
“Safe and supportive environment is important in children’s lives in their early years to adulthood. This should be the priority in a family context, in early childhood care, education and in the community as a whole.
“A safe and supportive environment is a setting that leads to children feeling socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically safe. These are essential elements that will boost them to be happy and that their future will be bright as well as full of excitement,” the Permanent Secretary said at the World children’s day celebration event held at the multipurpose hall on Wednesday 11 September 2023.
He emphasised that children are God’s gift to every family and the hope of our future.
“Children are our future human resources they are next inline in building a better place for our home and the world. As adults and parents with each respective communities in the Solomon Islands, we must ensure that every children lean the essential values and skills to improve and progress for the betterment of the society,” Dr Alependava said.
On a similar note, he said that the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) calls for all ministries, development partners, NGOs and stake holders and churches to work together to educate and improve and to protect the rights of the children in the country.
