Moday, May 27, marked the official launch of Child Protection Week in Eldorado Park.
Members from the Local Drug Action Committee task team(LDAC), the Community Police Forum (CPF), Neighbourhood Watch, Cadets, members from Eldorado Park SAPS and residents joined forces to create awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving the rights of children.
The various stakeholders gathered at the Eldorado Park police station and took to the streets with placards as early as 8am to participate in activations, with the intent of breaking the silence about children abuse.
Cheryl Pillay, who is the chairperson of the local drug action committee said that the various stakeholders are serious abiout the safety of children, especially in the Greater Eldorado Park community.
“We are all saying no to child abuse. People need to understand that it is everyone’s business and we are going to make it our business to ensure the children in our community are taken care of the way they should.
“We are going to knock on those doors where SASSA grants are being abused. We are no longer keeping quiet,” said Pillay.
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Stakeholders reverted back to the police station where a pledge was signed. Community leader and activist Dereleen James explained that the pledge serves a purpose.
“When we signed, it simply meant that we will mobilise our community and commit ourselves to ensure the safety of our children.
“We signed because we committed ourselves to speaking out. The pledge means we are willing to put in the work and play our part in ensuring this community moves forward,” said James.
Ward Councillor Fazel Jaffer was present and encouraged residents to support the initiative.
“If we want our community to move forward we need to work together. Down with child abuse, down, forward Eldorado Park, forward.
“We need to break the silence. We are going to knock on every door and visit every street to spread the message,” said Jaffer.
Stakeholders and residents participated in various activations throughout the week. On Tuesday, May 28, a door to door on child neglect was demonstrated.
“The point of the door to door visits was to assess the living conditions of children.
We are serious about this, if mother’s need to be arrested and if children need to be removed from their homes because of gross neglect,we will do that,” said James.
A safer parks clean up in memory of the late Shaynice Talla was also demonstrated on Wednesday.
A community educational outreach, taking of childrens finger prints and a car seat drive was implemented throughout the remainder of the week.
“Next year, we want the entire Eldorado Park to participate,” Jaffer concluded.
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