Modderfontein’s new CPF school safety coordinator announced
She said she has to ensure all Modderfontein schools follow needed procedures.
The vice-chairperson and public relations officer of Modderfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF), Lena Ribeiro, was recently elected by CPF as the new school safety coordinator.
Sebenza CPF chairperson and community policing board chair of Ekurhuleni North Cluster Andrew Mosesi said all 142 police stations in Gauteng were required to appoint one person from their CPF as a school safety coordinator.
“During the pandemic, we needed to have someone from the CPF visiting schools and looking into their needs and challenges. We needed someone to report issues and serious concerns which are then passed on to either the Gauteng Department of Education or Gauteng Department of Community Safety,” said Mosesi.
What made Ribeiro perfect for the portfolio was her personality and commitment, according to Mosesi.
The CPF chairperson explained this portfolio will continue beyond the pandemic.
“It is a portfolio that will assist the community and the police to zoom into safety at school. This portfolio has always been necessary due to the violence, bullying, attack on teachers, drugs, theft and breaking into schools in the past few years.”
He added they needed the community and the police interventions.
“Lena is perfect as a community representative at Sebenza CPF and SAPS. Schools are running amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, learners, educators and schools need support from community stakeholders to help uphold Covid-19 safety regulations.”
Ribeiro said her goal is to help the community in any way possible. She added she is focused on educating the community on the severity of Covid-19 to ensure society takes precautions and play their part.
She said she has to ensure all Modderfontein schools follow needed procedures.
“I have to make sure all surfaces in the school are sanitised, social distancing and masks are worn at all times, all classrooms have hand sanitiser upon entrance to the classroom and temperatures of staff and learners are checked at the entrance of the school daily,” said Ribeiro.
The safety officer visited Modderfontein Montessori Primary School on July 1. She observed how classes were conducted and interacted with learners. Ribeiro taught learners how to protect themselves from getting infected while a school.
“The visit was good. I felt welcome and all Covid-19 rules were in place at the school.
“We want to ensure the safety of learners is a priority at all times in efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
All schools in the Modderfontein area will be visited, according to Ribeiro.The safety coordinator added parents should educate their children on the severity of this virus and explain to them why it is important to follow protocols.
“Parents should teach learners to wash hands as often as possible, always sanitise and keep masks on when around others to protect themselves as well as the people around them.”If we work together, we can achieve our goal of beating this virus, said Lena.
