CHILDREN should have a secret password known only to themselves and their parents to ensure that only known persons can communicate with them.
That was one of the messages from Freedom Generation SA‘s volunteer, Pastor Cyan Patterson, speaking to Heuwelland Primary School children on Friday.
The human trafficking awareness campaign was presented to Grade 1 to Grade 3 pupils, especially in the light of several reports of children being left at school without transport until after dark.
Also read: Human trafficking team targets schools
It is becoming increasingly dangerous for children to accept lifts from strangers.
The recent abduction of a young albino boy emphasises the terrible danger of children trusting adults who say they have been sent by parents, which happened in this specific case.
Another volunteer reported spotting a child walking home from a primary school at dusk.
When she stopped, the young child entered the car immediately and divulged information about his parents, where they worked, that they were not at home, that he was forgotten at school with no explanation and where he stayed.
The child was safely transported home, but the situation could have turned out very differently.
Heuwelland principal Wynand Strydom invited Freedom Generation to return to address the senior phase and present a workshop for teachers, who can in turn, strengthen abduction awareness during class time.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
