Naparima Girls’ walk for peace

Joined by their parents, teachers, friends and peers from other schools, the students walked from their school on La Pique Hill, along Pointe-a-Pierre Road, Circular Road, Royal Road, Coffee Street, Mucurapo Street, and back to their school, spreading the message of non-violence.Principal Caroline Bally-Gosine who led the procession of mainly Forms One to Upper Six girls expressed her pleasure at the turnout on the second week of the school term. It was only last week the students decided to stage the walk which was themed, “Make a difference, stop the violence.” Bally-Gosine said, “We wanted to make a statement to stop all forms of violence. Domestic violence, where there is spousal abuse, children abuse, violence in the streets, bar fights, fights for little or nothing.” She said that the theme was chosen not because it is topical, “but because violence affects almost every family.” Bally-Gosine said she hopes that the walk would have the effect of increasing awareness, especially among the San Fernando community.

“We work hard to teach our girls that nobody, male, female, child, adult, should be subjected to any kind of violence. This society should be one where every citizen is able to walk freely, to do your business, exercise, live as you want to live without fear.

Fear is pervading almost every aspect of society now,” she said.

Following the walk, the school was transformed into a health clinic, where past students who are medical doctors, returned to the school to conduct vision screening, blood pressure and glucose testing, along with representatives from the diabetes association. One parent, Dr Carol Ann Ramlakhan, was also on hand to conduct dental testing and offer advice, while Dr Sunil Persad and his wife, Dr Vanessa Harry, spoke to women on health issues