#ChildProtectionWeek reaches conclusion
JOBURG – Child Protection Week commemorations, commemorated in South Africa annually, reach a close in Gauteng on 2 June.
National Child Protection Week (CPW) campaigns will reach a climax at the start of June as commemorations draw to a close in Gauteng.
The week is commemorated in South Africa annually and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness on the need to protect children from all forms of abuse.
Under the theme ‘Let us all protect children to move South Africa forward’ the 2017 week-long events were launched on 27 May and will conclude on 2 June.
Joburg Child Welfare held an event at Beyers Naude Square in Johannesburg on 29 May to provide human rights education to children.
Speaking to City Buzz, Phello Mohlamonyane, senior training facilitator at Joburg Child Welfare, said ensuring the safety and empowerment of children should transcend the official celebrations. “Beyond the occasion itself, we continue to do community awareness talks in schools and churches,” said Mohlamonyane.
“Through various therapeutic and counselling methods, social workers at the organisation provide counselling to children for them to cope with abuse.
“We also attempt to provide children who have been removed from their homes due to a toxic environment with some form of stability by placing them and providing them with food, shelter and education.”
In light of recent reports of abductions, murders and gender-based violence in the country, Mohlamonyane said, “The recent reports of gender based violence, as well as abduction and the brutal killing of children, is extremely disturbing. One in three children suffer some form of abuse…be it economic, sexual, physical or emotional. Sexual and physical abuse are quite rife in Gauteng, particularly with regards to female children. These children are abused by people who should protect them but instead take advantage of their vulnerability.
“As an organisation that protect the rights of children who are orphaned, abandoned, abused, neglected and mired in poverty, we act as an agent for change.”
Read: Youth dialogue to protect SA children
Get it on the conversation on child protection by simply adding 079 439 5345 to your WhatsApp contact list and sending your comments using the hashtag #ChildProtectionWeek
