The Light Centre for Children with Disabilities held a Child Protection Week (CPW) campaign in Tarlton, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
National CPW is celebrated annually to increase awareness of children’s rights as outlined in the Children’s Act of 2005. The campaign began in 1997 and seeks to mobilise all sections of society to ensure children’s care and safety.
In Tarlton, community members and different stakeholders graced the event with their presence with the director of Light Centre, Glenny Marubini, first welcoming everyone.
“This is the first time we are celebrating Child Protection Week in Tarlton because we have been celebrating it at our old centre in Luipaardsvlei. I would like to thank everyone present here today for joining us in the march against all forms of abuse against children,” Glenny said.
The children from Elshadai Pre-School and Emellang Pre-School rendered heart-warming and insightful items about their rights as children.
Zukiswa Mzizi from the West Rand Mental Health Department said that abusing and neglecting children leads to them becoming victims of rape and they cannot speak out about it because of societal stigma. Zukiswa added parents need to stop fighting in front of their children because they are exposing them to violence which is another form of abuse.
“Try to be nice to your kids as parents and show them love. Also, seek professional help if you notice certain changes in your child’s behaviour,” Zukiswa said in her closing statement.
“I am happy to be part and parcel of what is happening today, it is heartwarming that we are targeting children with disabilities on this day,” said Napogadi Masekoameng from Mogale City’s Department of Social Development. Parents were also encouraged by Napogadi to stop normalising abuse and report cases of violence and abuse.
Maggy Malepane, who is a sergeant at Tarlton police’s Crime Prevention Unit, focused on the children and advised them to tell their parents or teachers if anyone is sexually abusing, bullying or even raping them. The attendees then marched to a nearby playground, escorted by the Mogale City Public Safety officers. Refreshments were served at the playgrounds and joy was written in everyone’s faces as they felt they had played a huge role in advocating for the children’s rights.
