Through a statement addressing local schools, parents and communities, Beverly Dieudonne, Chief Education officer, highlighted the Department of Education’s support of the 2nd annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Campaign facilitated by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs.
According to Dieudonne, children and teens battling cancer face unique challenges, “particularly in how their treatments can disrupt schooling and social activities.”
The education officer asserts that, “the ministry of education recognizes the importance of inclusion for these children within our school system, and is committed to ensuring they remain integrated and supported throughout their educational journey.”
Dieudonne added, “We believe that by providing support and inclusion, the school system can play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for children with cancer.”
The World Health Organization, along with other partners, launched a Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in 2018. Their latest data issued in 2021, revealed that in high-income countries more than 80% of children with cancer are cured. However, in low- and middle-income countries, less than 30% are cured.
WHO data also showed that, “Only 29% of low-income countries report that cancer medicines are generally available to their populations compared to 96% of high-income countries.”
Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health hopes to raise childhood cancer awareness in September—which has been slated Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Tuesday, September 17 has been declared Childhood Cancer Awareness National Dress Down day. In a gesture of support, the public is encouraged to wear yellow or gold to symbolise hope for children battling cancer.
The department of education also encourages students to “wear a touch of yellow or gold throughout September.”
let us reschedule to next Tuesday
Can the MOE define what really causes cancer? It is appalling to see these stuff make news and we simply refuse to act on doing things that will reduce the ignorance that manifest into society. The quantum consumption of over processes foods, and High dosage of GMOs are just making our health sectors and SLBS looks like uneducated set of people. Yes these products are being allowed into our country and they do nothing about it, but our for export must go through thorough scrutiny before export, and guess what we don’t have a functional lab, all we hear is pure talks. More so when you go to these meetings the narrative is one and the action is zero.
I think that the chief EO is missing the bigger picture! She speaks on better inclusion of children with cancer into the school system and to provide more support them in their educational journey; this is the least of their worries. The data presented speaks volume 30% of children with cancer in low-middle income countries are cured meaning that the other 70% DIE!!!!!!! Why? Does Saint Lucia have proper treatment or access to treatment for children with cancer? Are there equipment to diagnose children from an early age? Is the education system promoting active lifestyles for children topppled with healthy diets accessible in the school system? Are there safe play places in schools? like i said she means well but is MISSING THE BIGGER, MORE CRITICAL PICTURE.