International children’s day needs to acknowledged
As a way of acknowledging the international children’s day the church decided to conduct a special day for the children, a day that provides a place of safety where children can learn the word of God as well as a platform to have fun.
Immanuel Congregation Church hosted a children’s day event to commemorate International Children’s Day on November 25 at White City, Jabavu.
The organiser of the event, Moroesi Ramahlo said as a way of acknowledging International Children’s Day, the church decided to conduct a special day for the children, a day that provides a place of safety where children can learn the word of God as well as a platform to have fun.
“It is important to bring the two together, which is the divine service as well as a platform for the children to play and have fun.
“As a church we decided to celebrate this day in this way so that children can acknowledge that they are part of the church and the environment as a whole,” said Ramahlo.
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A representative of the Teddy Bear Foundation was asked by the church to teach the children about safety and the value of speaking out if they felt in danger.
According to the representative of the Teddy Bear Foundation, Mashudu Nemusunda, Due to the fact that gender-based violence (GBV) is becoming more common in South Africa, the government has decided to not only implement international children’s week but to also include 16 Days of Activism so as to raise awareness about abuse and methods for survivors to come forward.
The event by the Immanuel Congregation Church and government’s plans highlight the need for children to be educated about such issues.
“The important thing about such session is that we encourage young ones to report whenever they feel unsafe. Our children are vulnerable, they don’t know who to talk to in most cases, and especially if they face abuse they usually became a problem to other children,” said Nemusunda.
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Different types of play games were implemented along with music, refreshments and entertainment.
“I think it is about time that we as a church acknowledge such days because we always acknowledge other days but neglect days that should be specifically for our children.
“As a community and within the church, this day means a lot to us and our children because they now see that they do matter and their safety comes first,” said a parent who attended the event, Tebogo Mabaso.
