As part of their efforts to promote Child Protection Week, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s outreach unit hosted topical debates in Ward 86.
What made these debates unique was that it was primary and high school children who took centre stage. Children from Johannesburg Secondary School, Riverlea High School, Langlaagte Technical High School, RW Fick Secondary School and Coronationville Secondary School debated on various topics that affect them.
The topic was Technology and Me and how it affects their sexuality, and how it leads to violence and broken homes.
Metro officers Ouma Morudi and Thandeka Khanyile spectated and judged the debate along with Gift of the Givers, The Johannesburg Central Cluster, Oya Toros, Coke as well as Alcohol and Drug Concerns.
“It was great to see the children expressing themselves openly on such a topic whether they were for technology or against,” said Morudi.
Khanyile added that because schools are introducing technology-based education, it is adding a dynamic that is both beneficial and distracting to the children. “If parents do not monitor their children’s activities online, it will lead to disastrous consequences.”
Metro officers also addressed 800 grade 6 and 7 children from schools such as Westbury, Dowling, Everest, Bernard Isaacs and Newclare primary schools. They hosted a debate and discussion session along with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca), Department of Social Development, Westbury Clinic, Emergency Management Services, the police’s Victim Empowerment and Sober-Minded Drama Team. The topics they focused on included drug abuse, human trafficking and abduction.
“It is our duty to ensure that the most vulnerable in our societies do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of our children. We can work together to create safer and healthier communities for our children to thrive,” said who?
Related article: https://randburgsun.co.za/344387/outreach-unit-targets-child-safety/
