Latest update December 22nd, 2024 3:33 AM
Jan 24, 2011 News
108 children were reintegrated into families
The government is yet to implement the Child Care Development Bill and the Custody, Maintenance and Guardianship Bill which is currently under discussion before a special select committee, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, disclosed while presenting his 2011 Budget to the National Assembly last Monday.
Dr Singh said the Child Care and Protection Agency has continued to execute its mandate responding to reported child abuse cases, resulting in 360 children being moved from abusive situations and placed in safe environments.
It was also noted that another 108 children were reintegrated into their families, while the permanent placement of 69 children into foster homes saw the national foster care programme becoming fully operational.
In addition, child protection officers are now being trained in foster care, case management, specialised counselling, and play therapy in an effort to improve their competence and quality of service.
“During 2011, Government will continue to extend the protections we give our children through the passing of the two additional pieces of legislation governing child care. In addition, the foster care programme is expected to expand with more children being placed in stable family homes while the recently constructed Sophia Care Centre for children is expected to become operational in the first quarter of this year,” the Minister of Finance told the national assembly.
According to the Minister in 2010, over 2,000 out-of -school youths were trained under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) programme while a further 570 young people were trained through the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme.
In addition, 219 youths were trained in various disciplines such as basic air conditioning, electrical and fuel systems management and garment construction under the Board of Industrial Training.
He said that $34.4 million was expended to expand and equip the facilities at youth training centres at Kuru Kuru, Smythfield, Sophia and New Opportunity Corps, rehabilitate the Smythfield Drop-in Centre and to improve facilities at the Madewini Youth Camp sit Kuru, Smythfield, Sophia and New Opportunity Corps.
The Minister disclosed to the house that in 2011, 261 youths are targeted to be trained under the BIT and over 70 young people under the YEST programme.
Additionally, $120 million has been allocated to the National Sports Commission to facilitate the expansion of sporting activities, while another $200 million has been allocated for the upgrade of several sports countrywide.
In addition, work will commence on the upgrade of the national cycling track and commence construction of the athletic track at Leonora.
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