Programme to help youths launched
By
Michelle Loubon
 |
| rce: too many cases”: Zena Ramatali |
“We are saying zero tolerance against abuse of children.”
Zena Ramatali, president of the National Parent/Teachers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPTA) made this comment Wednesday during the launch of the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) programme titled “Integrating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Services with Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Young People” at Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain,
Ramatali also said sex education should be properly taught in the curriculum.
A special feature of the launch was the signing among stakeholders including Gerard Latulippe, High Commissioner for Canada.
Canada has donated about Cda$25,000 to eliminating GBV.
A public media campaign highlighting domestic violence will follow soon.
Ramatali said: “We are saying ‘zero tolerance’ to abuse against children. We are saying ‘zero tolerance’ to rape, incest and violence.
“Too many cases are swept under the carpet. Too many girls are being abused.
“Children and women are dying. Too many older men are impregnating younger girls. We must not make any apologies for them. They must feel the brunt of the law.
“They are endangering the lives of our young children. They are committing incest. There has to be a move to protect children in a meaningful way.
“It is time to report cases of abuse.”
While the authorities are calling upon citizens, including doctors and teachers, to report abuse, Ramatali said: “Teachers are afraid to report for fear of victimisation. Teachers are fearful for their safety. We trust the law will protect them.”
On Tuesday night, Ramatali said she received a report about an abuse case in a school.
She said: “The teacher failed to report it. The child was sexually assaulted by another student from the school. The child is now out of school.
“I hope it will be reported within the next 24 hours. The incident happened last year October. It is a sad day. These things have been happening all the time.”
Ramatali said she is yet to receive a copy of the new curriculum. But Ramatali said teachers and principals need training in delivering the new curriculum.
They also need specialised attention with regarding to delivering sex education which is not officially on the curriculum.
She also said sex education has to be taught properly.
On the issue of the new curriculum and sex education, Ramatali said: “I understand the curriculum does not cater indepth on sex education.
“What we are saying is the Ministry of Education could partner with the Ministry of Health to deliver sex education to our students.
“Teachers don’t feel comfortable to deliver sex education. So to avoid any misunderstanding, bring in resource personnel to teach sex education in our schools to both primary and secondary students.
“Students need education to give them choices. They need to understand the value of abstinence and why they should not engage in sexual activity at a young age.
“In the event that somebody touches them in an inappropriate manner, they will be able to report it or tell someone.”
Ramatali added: “I hope the new curriculum will deliver sex education for primary schools. There is nothing there that says they have sex education.
“They have sections pertaining to puberty which the teachers are concerned about.
“The ministry has not said it will allow sex education by itself to be taught in schools. We have to look at how can teachers be trained to properly deal and recognise child abuse.”
Ramatali said she understood the new curriculum included components like values and character education.
She also advised teachers who have been abused to seek help. She cited the most recent example of former Tobago school principal David Smith who appeared in court on Monday to answer 14 sex charges.
She said: “This is a wake-up call for teachers. They could seek help to be able to cope with trauma in their lives.”
Asked about the FPATT Gender Based Violence programme launch, Ramatali said: “I think it is an excellent initiative. I am blessed to have been here today to see the FPATT take another positive step towards eliminating violence against women and children.”
Zena Ramatali, president of the National Parent/Teachers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPTA) made this comment Wednesday during the launch of the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) programme titled “Integrating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Services with Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Young People” at Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain,
Ramatali also said sex education should be properly taught in the curriculum.
A special feature of the launch was the signing among stakeholders including Gerard Latulippe, High Commissioner for Canada.
Canada has donated about Cda$25,000 to eliminating GBV.
A public media campaign highlighting domestic violence will follow soon.
Ramatali said: “We are saying ‘zero tolerance’ to abuse against children. We are saying ‘zero tolerance’ to rape, incest and violence.
“Too many cases are swept under the carpet. Too many girls are being abused.
“Children and women are dying. Too many older men are impregnating younger girls. We must not make any apologies for them. They must feel the brunt of the law.
“They are endangering the lives of our young children. They are committing incest. There has to be a move to protect children in a meaningful way.
“It is time to report cases of abuse.”
While the authorities are calling upon citizens, including doctors and teachers, to report abuse, Ramatali said: “Teachers are afraid to report for fear of victimisation. Teachers are fearful for their safety. We trust the law will protect them.”
On Tuesday night, Ramatali said she received a report about an abuse case in a school.
She said: “The teacher failed to report it. The child was sexually assaulted by another student from the school. The child is now out of school.
“I hope it will be reported within the next 24 hours. The incident happened last year October. It is a sad day. These things have been happening all the time.”
Ramatali said she is yet to receive a copy of the new curriculum. But Ramatali said teachers and principals need training in delivering the new curriculum.
They also need specialised attention with regarding to delivering sex education which is not officially on the curriculum.
She also said sex education has to be taught properly.
On the issue of the new curriculum and sex education, Ramatali said: “I understand the curriculum does not cater indepth on sex education.
“What we are saying is the Ministry of Education could partner with the Ministry of Health to deliver sex education to our students.
“Teachers don’t feel comfortable to deliver sex education. So to avoid any misunderstanding, bring in resource personnel to teach sex education in our schools to both primary and secondary students.
“Students need education to give them choices. They need to understand the value of abstinence and why they should not engage in sexual activity at a young age.
“In the event that somebody touches them in an inappropriate manner, they will be able to report it or tell someone.”
Ramatali added: “I hope the new curriculum will deliver sex education for primary schools. There is nothing there that says they have sex education.
“They have sections pertaining to puberty which the teachers are concerned about.
“The ministry has not said it will allow sex education by itself to be taught in schools. We have to look at how can teachers be trained to properly deal and recognise child abuse.”
Ramatali said she understood the new curriculum included components like values and character education.
She also advised teachers who have been abused to seek help. She cited the most recent example of former Tobago school principal David Smith who appeared in court on Monday to answer 14 sex charges.
She said: “This is a wake-up call for teachers. They could seek help to be able to cope with trauma in their lives.”
Asked about the FPATT Gender Based Violence programme launch, Ramatali said: “I think it is an excellent initiative. I am blessed to have been here today to see the FPATT take another positive step towards eliminating violence against women and children.”
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