Children are not only our most precious gifts, but they are also the future, and we need to protect them from harm at all costs.
Child Protection Week, which is observed from May 29 to June 5 this year, aims to raise awareness about children’s rights as set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, and the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The campaign is primarily led by the South African government, namely the Department of Social Development in partnership with other government departments and civil society organisations that look after child protection services.
Child protection is a broad term, but it mainly entails ensuring that our children have a name and nationality, family or appropriate alternative care, access to basic nutrition, shelter, healthcare and social services, are protected from neglect, maltreatment, abuse, exploitive or inappropriate labour practices, and being used in armed conflict.
This campaign can only be successful if we do not only teach our children about their rights, but also educate adults, parents, guardians and teachers who are responsible for protecting those rights.
There are a few ways we can raise awareness during this week:
• Wear a green ribbon to show your support for this worthy cause. People can also write positive messages about child protection on cards, and tie them together with a green ribbon.
• Ensure that the children in your care, whether at home, a foster home, at school, church or another organisation, know their rights; this includes the process of how to report abuse as well as ways to protect themselves.
• Ensure those who are responsible to care for children know the provisions of Children’s Act, and are equipped to make child protection a priority.
• Display child protection posters in your organisation and community to raise awareness about child protection, and create awareness by sharing stories and resources that could educate, inspire and inform.
• Equip and work together with parents to put Interim ID kits together for their children by downloading these kits at www.missingchildren.org.za.
•. Partner with churches and organisations in your community to launch child protection initiatives and forums.
Until next week, stay safe and look out for each other …
