As part of the Child Protection Week focus on children initiative, Childline Gauteng, with pro bono partners, launched a new website. The partners, including Net#work BBDO, Amorphous, Saranne Meyersfeld, E2 Solutions and Majestic3, worked with the organisation to install the website, which has important information on the overwhelming psychosocial problems facing families.
Director Lynne Cawood reminded the attendees that the organisation, founded in 1987, has been at the forefront of helping children to deal with their problems, facilitating equality and human dignity.
“The aim of the Childline Gauteng website is to provide pertinent information to those in distress, with an invitation to call our 24/7 toll-free helpline, where professional telephonic counselling is available in all official languages and also French,” said Cawood.
Head of the department for Community Awareness and Prevention Programme Gita Dennen said they really wanted to use the internet for a good cause. She said the site speaks to children who are at the age of using the internet and who prefer that medium over phone calls.
“The site contains links to our social media sites, links to our news articles and a lot of ‘donate now’ buttons. People are also made aware that donations are not restricted to money. The work is ongoing and we will add to the site as time goes on,” Dennen said.
Keynote speaker and former Childline beneficiary Zodwa Bushula shared her past experiences through an emotional reflection. “I heard about Childline from a friend and through the help of social workers and counselling, I got through my ordeal. If I had a phone and data back then, I would have immediately known about Childline and asked for help, so I am glad for this launch because future generations will know where to go easily.”
Another keynote speaker and also a beneficiary Nosipho Sontaba added that technology definitely reaches out to young people better and easy access to Childline will mean a lot to them.
Details: Childline Gauteng www.childlinegauteng.co.za 080 005 5555.
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