Police educate youngsters in Wattville
Grade Ones to Sevens in the Wattville school had an opportunity to speak to the officers and learn about what each unit is responsible for.
It was a day of learning outside the classrooms for learners at Ekukhanyeni Primary School on July 26, when the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), Equestrian and Ekurhuleni Water Wing units educated youngsters about what they do.
“Our aim was for the youngsters to interact with us and to understand that we are not scary, but approachable when they are in need,” said BFS spokesperson WO Grant Giblin.
“This is our Mandela Day initiative.”
The City Times accompanied the officers and we too learnt about the importance of 10111.
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“Is 10111 a number to be called when you are on holiday and want to prank someone?” Giblin asked the youngsters, to which they responded “no”.
“Correct,” he said, adding that the number should only be dialled in the event of an emergency.
“If you call as a prank, you could prevent an emergency call from being answered and a life could be lost,” he explained.
The little ones were given the opportunity to sit inside the police vehicles, ride on the horses and ask questions about the Water Wing unit.
10111 Rapid Response Services officers also spoke to Grade Six and Seven learners about drug usage and handed out sanitary pads to the Grade Six and Seven girls.
“Do not miss a period (class) because of a period (menstrual cycle),” Capt Grace Mabanga said.
Rex Diff and Gearbox sponsored R10 000 worth of paint and tools to paint several classrooms.
One of the classrooms is also utilised by a local church every Sunday.
Some of the church members were also there on the day to assist with the painting.
Brochures were handed out to all learners to remind them about the importance of the 10111 number with the reminder that litter is damaging the environment and the pamphlets should be taken home, not thrown on the ground.
