Red Cross celebrates Child Protection Week
The day-care centre welcomes donations of non-perishable foods.
As Child Protection Week drew to an end, the South African Red Cross (Benoni branch) commemorated the week by pledging to secure children’s rights.
The theme was based on seven principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary services, unity and universality.
The staff members, children and volunteers held the celebration at their Rynfield premises on June 7.
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On the day, the children, volunteers and staff made handprints on a cloth that will be hung at the day-care and also lit candles to complete the pledge.
The Red Cross Day Care Centre (Benoni) manager, Phashane Sylvia Tabola, said the aim of the event is to make a pledge together with parents and other stakeholders that they will always make sure children are protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
“Looking at some recent social media posts, a high proportion of our children are emotionally and physically abused by their teachers who are supposed to be protecting them,” said Tabola.
“The humanitarian organisation recognises that a majority of children in South Africa, especially from impoverished communities, do not have access to quality early childhood development programming.”
Tabola added that as Red Cross volunteers the children at their day-care centre are very close to their hearts and they play a huge role in their lives, it is their responsibility to love and protect them.
“We are saying #NotInMyName,” she said.
“The organisation works for everyone, regardless of their colour, gender or race.”
Grade R learner Bohlane Nkosi (6) said it is important for children to be loved and protected by their parents, siblings and community members.
A volunteer at Red Cross (Wattville), Hlengiwe Mahlangu, said as volunteers it is their duty to protect children as they are our future leaders.
The day-care centre welcomes donations of non-perishable foods.
Donations can be dropped off at 70 O’Reilly Merry Street, Rynfield, or call 011 849 2723.
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