Child Protection Week celebrated in Alrapark
NIGEL - The Department of Social Development (DSD) Gauteng Province, in partnership with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality celebrated National Child Protection Week on May 17 at Alrapark Hall, where they focused on children with disabilities in the local community.
Parents of children with disabilities attended the celebration programme as guests, where they were given information on the services provided by DSD to assist them. After opening and welcoming of the event, chairperson of the EMM Disability Forum, Piet de Wit discussed the purpose of the event, whereafter the guest speaker Merriam Ndebele took the stand to deliver a message of support.
The event ended with refreshments and music entertainment.
The child projection campaign started in 1997 and aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure the care and protection of all children. The campaign is led by the Minister of Social Development; however it is incumbent on every citizen of the country to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.
Reducing the high levels of violence against children is among South Africa’s most overwhelming tasks. Despite the country’s progressive child protection laws, policies and programmes preventing and addressing violence against children, it remains a major challenge.
The Department of Social Development has a 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to parents of children with disabilities or victims of gender based violence.
The toll free number is 0800 60 10 11 and the Child Line number is 0800 055 555.
During the Child Protection Week celebrations at Alrapark Hall, parents of children with disabilities attended the event as guests, where they were informed of a variety of services provided by DSD.
