Talitha Stimulation Day Care Centre hosted a Child Protection Day event on June 12, bringing together social workers, police officials, caregivers and community members to raise awareness about the protection of children and the prevention of abuse and neglect.

The programme featured opening remarks, educational presentations, songs, poems, dance items, readings and messages focused on child safety.

The event was also supported by Siyabonga Community in Blue and highlighted the importance of creating safe environments for all children.

Speaking during the event, Busisiwe Mazibuko of Tutela Family Care said protecting children is a shared responsibility and that communities must work together to ensure vulnerable children receive the care and support they deserve.

“These are our children, and they need our support as parents, teachers, doctors and nurses. It’s not easy to remove a child from a parent, but we do so when their safety is at risk. Children with disabilities have rights, they have a voice, and they have to be heard,” she said.

Busisiwe explained that Tutela Family Care provides services to children, parents and families throughout Alberton and neighbouring communities, working in schools, clinics and community settings.

She said the organisation also handles child protection matters, including court related interventions and removals where children’s safety is compromised, while referring cases outside its service area to the appropriate organisations.

She added that abuse remains a growing concern in South Africa and stressed that children with disabilities are often particularly vulnerable to exploitation and neglect, making community awareness and reporting essential.

“The purpose of this event is to promote child protection awareness. We know abuse remains a serious problem and many of the children in our care have been placed here through the courts after suffering abuse, neglect or abandonment. That is why creating safer homes and communities is so important. Let’s love our kids and take care of them. We must watch over them, accompany them when necessary and never ignore signs of abuse. Protecting children today helps prevent lasting harm in the future,” said Nokwanda Thembela, social worker.

Louis Kelly from Talitha Day Care explained that Talitha specialises in caring for children with profound intellectual and physical disabilities through both its day care and residential programmes.

Many of the children living at the facility have been placed there by the courts or social workers after being abandoned or removed from unsafe environments.

Representing Eden Park SAPS, a sergeant urged members of the public to make child protection part of their daily lives rather than limiting their concern to awareness campaigns.

“Every day should be Child Protection Day because children cannot protect themselves. We all have a responsibility to report abuse, play our part in keeping children safe and protect their future. Residents should speak up when they witness abuse or neglect. We seem to neglect them and say they are disabled, but they have rights. Living with a disability does not stop them from crying out loud or saying someone is abusing them. They have a right. They have a voice. They have to be heard at the end of the day,” said Sergeant Mitta Badi.

The event concluded with a united call for stronger partnerships between families, schools, social workers, law enforcement agencies and community organisations to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

Through performances, educational messages and community engagement, Talitha Day Care and its partners reinforced that protecting children, especially those living with disabilities requires vigilance, compassion and collective action every day of the year.