Having children live in an angelic realm, where no harm or suffering begets them is a world most people dream of. However, due to necessity, programs such as National Child Protection Week are more than little awareness campaigns but are rather a much-need requirement.
Running from 30 May 2021 to 6 June 2021, National Child Protection Week is commemorated to raise awareness for children’s rights as articulated in South Africa’s Constitution and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). The Department of Social Development leads the campaign in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations providing child protection services.
Neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children is not a minor issue found only in the shallows of society. Unfortunately, there are lives you come into contact with every day dealing with acts you cannot imagine. For example, recently, the Newcastillian – Online News reported on how a Harrismith mother poisoned her 9-year-old child and 3-month-old baby. And a 16-year-old girl from Piet Retief who was the victim of a gang rape.
With incidents such as this coursing through our communities, the necessity for events such as National Child Protection Week becomes evident. With this in mind, in a joint effort between the Amajuba District Municipality, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and other stakeholders, various schools in the District Municipality’s borders were visited.
On Wednesday, 2 June 2021, Chelmsford Primary School was one of the many schools within the targeted area. At the event, the learners learned more about their rights, potential dangers that they may face, bullying, and cyberbullying, to mention but a few. Stanley East of Chelmsford Primary explains, “Programs such as this are important, as children are the future of the country. Through educating them on their rights and responsibilities, they can learn to become responsible citizens.”
In addition, he highlights that this is not the only reason National Child Protection is essential. “Children are exposed to a lot within their respective communities, and this often sees the cycle continue. Through programs such as this, we can maybe help break that cycle. If we don’t, it will continue, and society will be the worst for it.”
Sihle Vilakazi, from the Psychosocial Support Services of the Department of Education, adds that it is essential that children are taught to speak out on abuse and that they have rights. She further says, “As different stakeholders work together during this week, children can see they have our backing and support.”
Local firefighters Stephanus Viviers and Rajay Singh also contributed to the day’s talks, educating youngsters on the importance of fire safety. The two men explain that children can learn what steps to take through campaigns such as this when facing compromising and sometimes dangerous situations. “Many children are not aware what to do, which is why initiatives such as this are so important.”
Digging a bit deeper, speaking to Social Worker Farieda Mia of Child Welfare SA Newcastle, the Newcastillian – Online News establishes what issues Newcastle’s community’s youth face.
Mia points out that while child protection should be taking place every day, people often get wrapped up in their own lives; worrying about the welfare of local children becomes a secondary thought in their worlds. Due to this, she highlights that National Child Protection Week showcases the importance of assisting children in overcoming the challenges they may be facing. For example, in Newcastle, Mia explains that with the unemployment rate, children’s basic needs are being eroded, seeing more and more children taking to the streets to beg in order to survive. This, in turn, she says, exposes them to other apparent dangers.
The Social Worker further states, “High levels of alcohol and drug abuse at homes are leaving a number of children being neglected, as well as exposed to violence.”
Schoolyard bullying, according to Mia, is not only prevalent within the Newcastle community but is escalating. “The aggression shown on school grounds is so bad, that at times, teachers are reluctant to get involved.”
Transforming from an issue into a significant problem, Cyberbullying, as Mia points has increased with boys and girls victimising others over social media.
As South Africa commemorates National Child Protection Week, what do you feel the KZN communities should do to protect our children?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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