Children take a stand against child abuse
ALEXANDRA - Children of Alex marched through the streets to let the community know that child abuse is not good.
Scores of children marched through the streets of Alex on Saturday, raising awareness about child abuse in the country.
The child abuse awareness campaign was organised by non-government organisations Aruthinteng Alexandra Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Forum, the Alexandra Scholar Transport Organisation and Region E Department of Social Development.
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The match started at M.C Weiler Primary School in 2nd Avenue, moved through Alfred Nzo Street to Tsutsumani Village and ended at the KwaBhekilanga sports grounds.
Social worker for the City of Johannesburg, Morwesi Motlana, said the campaign’s objective was to make residents aware of child abuse and the effects that it has on children.
“Recently cases of children going missing in the country – especially young girls – were reported. We need to address this before it happens in our community,” she said.
Motlana said parents should take safety precautions when it comes to their children.
“Never say ‘it will never happen to me’. If you know that there is nobody to take care of your child after school, rather enroll them to an after school care facility so that you know they are safe.”
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She also urged young children to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and to speak out against child abuse.
“Children can speak to an adult they trust if they or their friends are being abused. If there are no adults whom they trust, they can go to the police station, where there is a unit that can help them.”
Arithinteng Alexandra OVC chairperson Reckson Makhuvha said people are not aware that child abuse happens in the community because they have not heard of it.
“There are incidents happening but they are not publicised. We need to speak about it so that we can reduce child abuse in our country,” Makhuvha said.
He reiterated Motlana’s statement that parents should register their children with registered scholar transport providers.
“This will ensure that your child is safe and the worrying will be eased.”
He said parents should keep tabs on their children at all times.
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“Knowing where your child is all the time gives you a sense of relief because you know that they are safe.”
Arithinteng is a forum for all organisations in the community that deal with child issues. It was formed in order to assist organisations with issues they might be facing.
Details: Lizzy Sithole; 073 190 9310.
