Africa-Press – Cape verde. The representative of the Cape Verdean Institute for Children and Adolescents (ICCA) on the island of Brava issued a warning this Friday regarding several reported instances of child mistreatment—acts often committed unwittingly by parents and guardians.
In an interview with the media, Rosana Sousa explained that, in many cases, those responsible for the children are not fully aware of the negative impacts of certain behaviors.
“Teachers and guardians believe that simple forms of punishment—such as hitting or verbal reprimands—are normal; they think that by doing so, they are properly raising the children. But that is not the case,” she emphasized.
According to the official, the ICCA advocates for an approach to upbringing based on respect and dialogue, rejecting any form of aggression. “The ICCA is here to say ‘no’ to such acts; we can certainly raise a child effectively, but we must do so without resorting to aggression,” she asserted.
As part of its awareness-raising efforts, the ICCA organized a march this morning involving students from the Manuel Rodrigues Basic School in Nova Sintra. The event aimed to draw the attention of the island’s residents to the critical issue of child mistreatment.
Rosana Sousa further explained that the initiative sought to raise societal awareness regarding the consequences of this phenomenon and to underscore the urgent need for behavioral change.
This activity is part of a nationwide campaign and marks the conclusion of a week-long series of awareness-raising events held across various communities on the island—specifically Braga, Cova Rodela, Furna, Lém, Mato Grande, and Mato—encompassing both schools and preschools.
“The intention is to make parents and guardians aware that the perpetrators of violence are not limited to family members, but can also include teachers. The objective is—in addition to raising awareness among family members—to show children that they should not have to endure mistreatment,” she concluded.
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