Stakeholders unite to celebrate and safeguard children
Characters like Mickey Mouse and Tigger brought smiles, while SAPS and other stakeholders taught children about safety, respect and their rights.
An event to commemorate Child Protection Week saw little ones from local preschools join Brakpan police and other stakeholders last Thursday for a day of fun at the Brakpan Library. Child Protection Week is observed annually from May 29 to June 5.
Brakpan SAPS Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Faith Ntuli and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi joined hands with relevant stakeholders to interact with children through learning and fun activities.
The event hosted children from Carnival Academy, Education Knowledge, Mathema Mokoto, The Best Future Kids, Little Bumble Bee, Thandi’s Nursery School and Thuto-Mfundo.
Joy and laughter filled the atmosphere as the children engaged in different play activities, which were meant to teach them teamwork, quick thinking, concentration and enthusiasm.
The children also enjoyed listening to stories and were asked questions afterwards to test their listening ability.
“Stakeholders took turns to talk to the children about bullying, stealing, road safety, drugs, strangers, respect, and the importance of education. The children were further taught about their rights to safety, education, and also their right to being loved and cared for,” explained Buthelezi.
Brakpan Clinic manager Sr Patricia Tshegang tasked the children to ask their parents if their immunisations were in order.
The children couldn’t contain their happiness when they were surprised by entertainers dressed up as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Tigger, and they danced to songs from CoComelon.
The aim of the event, organised by social worker Clement Motshana, was to raise awareness on children’s vulnerability and the need to protect them.
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“It also encourages the unity of stakeholders, focusing on children’s constitutional rights outlined in the Children’s Act of 2005,” said Buthelezi.
“The campaign is aimed at assisting in preventing child abuse and empowering children to advocate for their rights.”
Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma applauded the stakeholders for their commitment and unity, not only during Child Protection Week, but in all other related projects.
The other stakeholders involved were Crime Prevention Wardens, Women’s Directorate, EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit, Department of Community Safety, Department of Health, Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Brakpan Library, Village of Hope NPO and Ekurhuleni Community Services.
