The Bekkersdal police visited Zuurbekom intermediate school and the Philane Community Development Centre to address learners as part of Child Protection Week on Friday, June 3.
Bekkersdal police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the police in partnership with the Carletonville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS), Department of Correctional Services, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Legal Aid Board South Africa, Westview drug rehabilitation centre, Victim-friendly Room, and the Community Policing Forum executive members visited the said school and centre.
Topics discussed included physical and emotional abuse, how to recognise signs of bullying and where to report it, rape and sexual related offences, child trafficking, child abuse and child neglect.
“The learners were taught to recite the Childline number, and they were encouraged to walk in groups and to report any matter of concern to their parents and teachers,” said Sergeant Lefakane.
The entourage then visited the TM Letlhake Secondary School in Simunye where violent behaviour amongst the grade 10 learners had been reported.
“The Department of Correctional Services addressed the learners on the impact of violent behaviour around the school and discouraged them to fight. Instead they encouraged the learners to love their school work rather than exchanging it for the uniform of shame.”
The learners received guidance from the Legal Aid Board on children’s rights and responsibilities, and the consequences of having a criminal record.
“Both schools appreciated the gesture and thanked the team for taking part in bettering the conduct of their learners.”
