Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation president Kevin Ratiram has called for urgent national support to help migrant children access education, transportation and emotional care, warning that without early intervention the country could face deeper social challenges.
Speaking during the Foundation’s Christmas treat at Rochard Douglas Presbyterian Primary School in Barrackpore on Wednesday, Ratiram said many migrant children still miss classes at learning centres because their families cannot afford transportation.
“Earlier this year, we assisted with renovating a building for a migrant learning centre in San Fernando,” he said. “But one of the biggest challenges is simply getting these children to school. Some families just cannot afford daily transport, and that means many of these kids stay home.”
He said the Foundation has already secured donations to assist several children, but added that far more support is needed.
“We’re going to work feverishly to find additional donors, because when it comes to children, we don’t see race, religion, or nationality. Migrant children are children just like any other. They deserve the education and support that will help them grow into productive members of our society.”
Former Presbyterian Church moderator Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan also called on government and corporate leaders to create more safe spaces for at-risk children and abused women.
“Every government has a social and moral responsibility to ensure that every child has the right to education,” she said. “That is how we build the values by which they live.”
She said shelters and orphanages overflowed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing churches to convert halls, classrooms and dormitories into emergency safe spaces
