A free and confidential national student hotline will be launched next week — when the new term begins — as a collaborative project of ChildLine, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the People and Social Development.

In an interview yesterday, ChildLine Programme Coordinator Mary Moonan said the service was needed.

“Anytime that a child needs us, they should be able to reach us. We receive phone calls from children and young people with any issues or concerns, " Moonan said.

The 24-hour service caters to students in primary, secondary or tertiary schools, up to the age of 25.

Callers can expect to talk to trained counselors on issues surrounding parents, siblings, school; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; depression or pregnancy.

Moonan said there were over 40 counselors available through the service, all of whom have signed confidentiality agreements.

Steve Williams, head of student support division in the Ministry of Education said his ministry got involved in the initiative after the May 2006 murder of 4-year-old Amy Emily Annamunthodo and recommendations made by Justice Barnes who presided over the case.

Last month on Aug 12, the country was shocked to learn of the suicide of Kalyzan Beharry, 18, of Naparima Girls’ High.

Williams said the national student hotline — promoted with the tag “Express Your Stress” — is meant to provide support for students and give them the opportunity to speak to someone when needed.

ChildLine was established in 2002. The toll-free numbers to call are 131 or 800-4321.

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