The Tribune

OFFICIALS of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, the National Child Protection Council (NCPC) and Bamboo Shack have teamed up to fight child abuse in a novel way with the launch of the Cookies for Kids campaign.

Money from the campaign will be used to help fund the far-reaching work of the NCPC. The Cookies for Kids programme is an initiative of the National Child Protection Council and the brainchild of Elaine Pinder, the CEO of Bamboo Shack who also serves as fundraising chairperson of the NCPC.

Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin said the drive is “one of the most significant programmes” implemented in the fight against child abuse within the country.

Local officials estimate that between 500-600 cases of child abuse - emotional, sexual and physical abuse and neglect - are reported in the Bahamas every year.

“We stress reported cases because so many cases are not reported,” Mrs Griffin said. “The formula used scientifically is to multiply the reported cases by three to get a better idea of the volume of child abuse that goes on in any country whether it is neglect, physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse. When you have that volume of abuse going on in any country, how can we wonder why crime is as (high as) it is today?”

She said the abused children are from dysfunctional homes in our society, and when there is no intervention many of those homes are breeding grounds for crime and violence.

To date, the initiative, which was first introduced during Child Protection Month in 2013, has raised more than $25,000, all of which has been donated to help fund NCPC programmes and assist in the production of public service announcements (PSA’s) to educate and inform the public on child abuse.

“This is a truly wonderful achievement and it would not have been possible without the support of Elaine and her team at Bamboo Shack and of course the loyal patrons of Bamboo Shack,” Mrs Griffin said.

“What is even more impressive is that Elaine and her team of experts have kept the project alive and have donated 100 per cent of proceeds to the NCPC which is truly, truly commendable considering they have not even taken out monies to cover their costs of making the cookies.

The National Child Protection Council, a volunteer group, was appointed by the government in 1999 to bring awareness to the community on matters relating to child protection and prevention.

Pastor Gil Maycock serves as Chairman and Dr Novia Carter is vice-chair.

The NCPC’s mandate is to advise the government on matters relating to child abuse as well as the implementation of programmes that will mitigate its effects.

Although a grant is received from the government, the council is required to find creative ways to raise additional funds for its campaigns.

Ms Pinder said the collaboration allows her company to continue to give back to society in “positive and meaningful ways.”

“We are delighted to celebrate the partnership between Bamboo Shack and the National Child Protection Council through our Cookies for Kids initiative. I am also passionate and deeply concerned about the prevention and eradication of child abuse in our Bahamaland. Bamboo Shack has donated and will continue to donate 100 per cent of profits to the NCPC for every cookie purchased. We encourage the entire Bahamian community to make a difference in the lives of children by supporting this worthy cause.”

Novia Carter said the ‘Cookies for Kids’ campaign is an opportunity to create change and protect potential victims by encouraging all citizens to inspire change by raising their voices against child abuse.