Children living with disabilities to be accommodated at day and night care facility

With the extension of the government’s ‘safe space’ day and night care facility, parents and guardians of children living with disabilities in Guyana can rest assured of their children’s safety while at work.

It was revealed that the ‘safe space’ care initiative was conceptualised by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud. The aim is to protect the nation’s children while creating avenues for women to be gainfully employed.

It was disclosed that it was also part of the PPP/C’s 2020-2025 manifesto where it has committed to “empowering women and taking care of children and vulnerable groups and to encourage and assist in the establishment of day care centres for working women in the social sector”.

Dr Persaud pointed out that the facilities will provide quality service to children living with disabilities.

“The day care and night care facilities will be extended to all children including children living with disabilities, but to make the persons who are providing the service more comfortable to cater for and cope with children living with disabilities and also to put the parent’s mind at ease that when they are taking their children to these facilities, they will have persons who are capable of looking after their children,” the minister said recently.

It was noted that currently, in its embryonic stage, the programme is being rolled out by the ministry’s Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training programme, and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).

Further, women participating in the WIIN child care course will undergo comprehensive training catering to all the child’s needs.

Dr. Persaud noted that a newer concept of childcare training will be implemented in early childhood development and care for special needs children.

It was revealed that the CCPA’s role in the programme is geared at having trained and licenced child care providers registered with the agency. This, it was noted will satisfy the standards required by the agency. With this in place, the ministry will be able to provide a list of approved ‘day and night’ care providers.

Additionally, it was revealed that persons interested in establishing care centres will be supported by the ministry with small financial provisions to ensure the facility runs efficiently.