Children focus on solutions on Mandela Day

Alex school children, including those at crèches, did their bit on Mandela Day to show that they too matter and ought to be given space to determine their destiny in the greater scheme of life.

Many of them participated at various venues with cleaning activities to secure their environmental future, painting and upgrading infrastructure, singing and displaying various Mandela messages on placards, some just clichès about the late former president, who they scarcely know.

This reporter engaged a group of the children who used the day as a platform to discuss solutions to their daily challenges. This was at the NPO Kidz Clinic and the Victim Empowerment Centre at the Alex Police Station in the presence of several organisations including the Hotel School from Auckland Park, NPOs Lifeline and the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

The children debated problems and solutions to challenges caused by, among others, peer pressure, cyber bullying, substance abuse, personal safety, teenage pregnancy, poverty and child-headed households. This in the hope that their views will be integrated by those in power when designing mitigating responses.

Some from the organisation said they were impressed by the children airing their concerns through an organised platform, as often their voices were unheard and ignored, sometimes to society’s own peril.

Renowned chef, Citrum Khumalo, of the Hotel School said the event was an appropriate platform and on an important day for the children to air their concerns, and also be regarded as advisers and contributors to the solutions to social problems.

                               Also read: Alex youth celebrate Mandela Day with yoga

Khumalo said the country had the worst record, globally, in various types of crimes that impacted children and families, and urged those affected to contribute their solutions.

He pointed out that child abuse, rape and violence perpetrated by men who, instead of helping children when asked, took advantage of the children’s desperation. “Some men abuse children who approach them with a smile, taking them as objects to exploit and violate instead of offering them parent-like advice and support.”

Khumalo urged the community to stand up on behalf of the children; the police to improve their reaction time to reported criminal activities; for society to report criminals – especially drug dealers whose homes they know, before they can destroy the lives of many children – and for crime-related legislation to be tightened.

Shirley Fawker, also of the school, said the discussions were held on an appropriate day and wished they could be conducted regularly in all communities, instead of the day being used for only material donations to the needy. “Children need to be listened to and understood as they hold answers to many problems they experience daily and to those of the country. Such platforms also help them gain self-confidence which is an essential life skill.”