Children affected by the MV Barima tragedy are being prepared to return to school with support in place to help them cope with loss and trauma, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said.
Persaud said the support, provided through the HEART initiative, will continue after children return to the classroom, with attention given to what they will need in the school environment.
“We’re walking with them every step of the way, whether it’s ensuring the children are prepared to go back to school, which they will be doing. How do we support them at school, in the classrooms? How do we create that support network around them?” she said.
Persaud said the support also extends to parents who have lost children in the tragedy.
“Is it a mom who has lost her child? How do we let her know that there are other moms and other parents out there who can support her? How can you support her?” she said.
She said the ministry will continue reaching out to families and survivors through psychological, spiritual and other forms of support as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
Persaud urged the public to continue offering unconditional love and support to affected families and survivors as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
