The Department of Social Development (DSD) in Dundee has led a successful child protection awareness campaign at Endumeni schools. DSD officials visited schools in the area, including Nyanyeni Combined School, Qwezi Primary School, Zisize Primary School, Bapaume Primary School and Morningside Combined School.
The number of recent violent cases reported in schools is increasing every day, which has DSD ‘deeply concerned’ about violence in the country. Learner-to-learner violence at schools has also increased throughout the whole country.
“We have decided to take part in the series of outreach campaigns, educating young people regarding incidents of violence and abuse. It was very necessary for DSD to work together with the team of stakeholders on Operation Sukuma Sakhe within Endumeni, particularly the Department of Health – Dundee Hospital,” explained Thandinkosi Zulu, a Communications Officer for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
She added the programme was aimed at educating learners about social crimes affecting them, domestic violence at home and sexual assault. However, DSD also felt it important to strengthen its focus on reporting methods, so more victims would come forward.
“It is the norm that most of the crimes committed are not reported within Umzinyathi District and we have to break the silence of abuse as the team of stakeholders in government.”
Learners enjoyed sweets, chips and goodie bags from the team, during a question-and-answer session to demonstrate their understanding of the children’s rights.
GCIS later met with members of the Endumeni Ward 4 War Room, led by Cllr Makaba. Ntombikayise Ntuli, a representative from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, handed over ten full sets of school uniforms to Vegkop Primary School learners during the Child Protection Week.
Cllr Makaba said members are also pleased with the relationship with George Shaw, a Vegkop farm who recently donated R3 000 in cash, to purchase school uniforms for destitute learners.
“We must protect our children’s future by investing in their educational needs,” added Cllr Makaba.
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