The National Children Violence Trust (NCVT) hosted a Peace Walk to educate children about the dangers of abuse and violence.
The recent walks were for the Rabasotho Combined School in Diepsloot and for the Far North High School in Cosmo City.
“In areas like Cosmo City and Diepsloot, we find a lot of abuse and violence taking place. Poverty and inequality help to amplify it, but education can go a long way in preventing these situations,” said Mpumi Mndaweni, senior social worker at NCVT.
“For this reason, the peace walks in Cosmo City and Diepsloot were not single events by themselves, they were built on a foundation of the discussions that we had with the youth, beforehand.
“The walks were intended to cause a stir in the community and create dialogue among the young people. Also, the memorandum that we handed over to the respective police stations were aimed at addressing some of the issues that we encounter with the treatment of victims when they report to the community police.
“It is important for young people to know that they have a voice and that they can help to address the challenges in the community in a peaceful, yet firm way.”
Mndaweni added that the children will never forget this experience. Those who did not know much about abuse, or even what it meant, know about it now. They, and the community members who came out of their houses to watch the march, now know what it looks like and how to handle it.
For each individual child involved, the peace walk caused a shift in thinking that will help to eradicate violence and abuse in the long term.
Every little bit that the community can do to enhance the knowledge of young people regarding abuse and violence is needed so that violence can cease in our neighborhoods, concluded Mndaweni.
Tweet us @Fourways_Review
