Child Month will be observed in May under the theme 'Preserve the Environment: Protect Our Children".

Dr Pauline Mullings, chair of the NCMC said, while May has been set aside to observe child month, children are important and special all year round.

"Let us all work together to make Jamaica a safer place for our children, who are the future of the country," Mullings said yesterday during the launch, held at the Institute of Jamaica.

In her remarks, Dr Rebecca Tortello, consultant for early childhood education in the Ministry of Education, said parenting was a major challenge and support was needed for the island's caregivers.

To this end, Tortello said the ministry was close to finalising its National Parenting Policy.

Children's advocate Mary Clarke said children should be allowed to grow up in a safe environment. She urged adults to ensure that they dispose of their batteries properly to protect them from lead poisoning.

The children's advocate told the gathering that 2009 marks 20 years since Jamaica signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adding that it was time to reflect, and plan strategies for the next 20 years.

Parents are urged to:

Hug a child today and tell him/her that he/she is special

Listen to children

Encourage children to play

Call talk shows, write letters to newspaper editors and talk with elected officials about issues related to children. Speak Out!

Join or form parent-support organisations

Serve on community planning committees.

Volunteer in a homework programme at your church or in a local youth programme.

Activities for 2009

May 3

National Church Service

Bethel Baptist Church

May 15

Action Day

Denham Town Primary School

May 29

Poster and Essay Competition Awards Ceremony, Alhambra Inn

September 25

Community Service Awards Ceremony

November 20

Universal Children's Day

November 27

Youth Forum