I make reference to the recent case of baby Sanjay and his family who went through the ordeal placed upon them by a drunken relative and then saw the humane side of society with an outpouring of assistance.This example is repeated by so many young women who find themselves in similar circumstances of poverty, abuse, lack of education and no guidance. While it is great that this family is getting all this assistance, it appears what will help them the most is guidance, mentoring and counseling to the young mother.
In many cases as these the handouts will stop eventually, the abusive man will come back–not necessarily the same man–and worst of all, another child may be born into this unfortunate situation.
In many instances these mothers do not take the time to register their children, who would most probably not end up in school. Who would investigate if these children are being immunised? Who would ensure they go to school and get a chance at a better future? Would they be left to continue the vicious cycle of poverty and abuse? Clearly the mother can't do it; she is a victim of this same situation.
This situation is all too common in T&T and transcends all racial, religious and logistic barriers.My heart goes out to the young mother as she clearly doesn't appear to know better. It's sad because the children are the ones who are suffering from bad decisions and overall neglect from the institutions set up to help families like these.Where are the churches, the councillors, the extended family and the community when children suffer like this?
Neela Choon
Petit Valley