The children are our future

Mo-Afrika Ithlokomele,  in partnership with Ijozi Ihlomile hosted a Child Protection Awareness event to mark Child Protection Week at the Nancefield Hall. Representatives from Takalani, the National Organisation of the Blind in South Africa (NOBSA), Kliptown Youth Programme, City of Johannesburg, Childline, South African Police Services (SAPS) and Othandweni Children’s Home were part of the event.

Childline and Othandweni advised the community  how to tackle child abuse, they also said that there were safe houses that protect children who have pending abuse cases, to protect them from abusers and Takalani made them aware of  recommendations regarding the raising of children with disabilities.

The aim of the event was to make parents and legal guardians aware of the dangers children may be facing and that a child should be raised in a proper manner so that they cannot be involved in social ills surrounding them, and it’s a great way of building their future.

“Sexual abuse in minors such as child pornography is one of our biggest issues, some of these cases lead to suicide and trauma. We are geared at curbing child victimisation because all the seeds of today are the flowers of tomorrow,” said Nthabiseng Tshehla a representative from Childline.

“These children have a right to access their support grant and fulfill their needs but their parents also have to monitor it so that it cannot be misused,” she added.

Othandweni is a children’s home situated in Mofolo South which accommodates children from the ages of 0-18 years. It is a place of love for underprivileged children who have been abandoned, neglected and abused in various ways. It also accommodates pregnant women contemplating the future of their unborn children, preparing them for a brighter future.

“It is a safe environment where toddlers are equipped for their future schooling,” said Tlaiseko Manyaka representative for Othandweni children’s home.
“The main purpose of NOBSA is to empower blind, partially impaired and people with albinism. There are also social workers who conduct home visits for counseling blind people, especially children who are being abused because in most cases they cannot speak out for themselves and this causes a huge trauma to them,” said Thuli Ngcobo, a social worker from NOBSA.

Childline also outlined the basic rights of children like the right to shelter, food and basic education.
Children with special needs also need to be taken in ]to consideration when it comes to education because they also have brains to think, they are not mentally ill ande need to be treated fairly,” said Dipuo Zuma from Takalani.