Workshop aims to educate and protect the youth
The joint operation put the focus on bullying, the role of law enforcement, different forms of abuse and how to report crimes.
WITH a focus on child protection and social-crime prevention, an informative talk was held at Dr Made Primary School in Bhekulwandle on Thursday, June 1.
The workshop, which reached 50 Grade Seven learners, saw Sparrow Trust, a counter-human-trafficking organisation, partnering with Amanzimtoti Child and Family Welfare and Kwamakutha Police Station’s social-crime prevention team.
Founding director of Sparrow Trust, Estelle van Eeden said the organisation was represented by Nqobani Shabalala from the Department of Community Safety and Liaison’s volunteer crime-prevention team.
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“He presented on bullying, cyber-bullying and the reality our learners face because of factional fighting and the creation of violent school cultures. The avenues of help for both victim and perpetrators, as well as witnesses, were explored,” she said.
Sergeant Khehla Sydney Khwela stressed the role of law enforcement in child protection and addressed the learners on the consequences for children in conflict with the law.
Estelle said the Amanzimtoti Welfare spoke on the different forms of abuse and how these should be reported so the victims can receive help, care and protection.
“In addition to raising awareness, Sparrow Trust wants our children to have safe spaces with trusted adults where they can unpack their experiences and struggles. We strive to ensure that if at any time a child needs assistance after a workshop, they have access to counselling and/or guidance on reporting a harmful situation. The voices of our children must be heard,” she said.
For more information, or to book an awareness workshop, contact Sparrow Trust on 082 263 9710 or at hope@sparrowtrust.co.za
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