Save the children of New Amsterdam

Jun 30, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
For the past weeks, I discerned something disturbing that is happening in the New Amsterdam area which needs urgent attention by those in authority. I honestly believe that this issue should be treated as a matter of urgency and concern.
There are a number of children that would roam the streets of New Amsterdam begging for money. What is more disturbing is that this happens on a daily basis, during school hours and late in the nights. What is the Ministry of Education (Welfare) doing? Is the Child Protection Agency, that is, located in New Amsterdam, oblivious about this issue? My point is, to give a child the money asked for isn’t a problem, the problem is why are they on the streets begging when they should be in school? Apart from that, these children should not be seen as culpable.
They didn’t choose a life of poverty but the fact is they should be in school. Most importantly, the Ministry of Education (Welfare) would receive a monthly report of the names of children who would be absent from school more than 5 days so they are aware of this issue. What do they do with this report? A child approached me one night around 20:30 hrs and he said; ” uncle please for $100″. I interrogated him. After interrogating him, I learnt that he is living with parents.
Their approach is one of desperation and can lead to some serious repercussions. In my opinion, if this continues then we will be rearing a society of criminals and the reason will be because negligence of the ones in authority. There may be cases where there are orphans among those children but the Child Protection Agency do have certain measures in place for such cases. I, therefore, urge the Child Protection Agency along with the Ministry of Education( Welfare) to have these children removed from the streets and let them be in school so that they can have a purpose in life and be of importance to society.
Concerned citizen

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