Community joins hands to protect children
A multi-stakeholder awareness event highlighted the collective responsibility of safeguarding children while equipping youngsters with valuable safety knowledge.
Children from early childhood development centres across Brakpan took centre stage during the International Children’s Fun Day, an awareness event hosted by the Ekurhuleni Office of the Executive Mayor on June 5 at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre.
The initiative, organised by the Women’s Directorate’s gender officer, Refiloe Selahle, brought together law enforcement, government departments, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to educate children on their rights and safety while celebrating the importance of protecting children.
Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi represented local police.
“The children braved the cold weather in different colourful uniforms, and they could not hide the excitement all over their faces,” said Buthelezi.
Presentations for the day highlighted legal information, as well as personal, sexual and road safety.
Buthelezi addressed the children on stranger danger; the National Prosecuting Authority addressed the protection of children’s rights by the court; the Far East Rand Hospital’s Crisis Centre spoke about the services at the centre and how children can protect themselves from people who intend to harm them; and the EMPD addressed road safety.
The Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture libraries presented Lego and other fun games, and the highlight of the event was the surprise appearance of Minnie and Mickey Mouse.
The children had a fun day under the supervision not only of their teachers but also of law enforcement officers and health care personnel, which emphasises that child protection is everybody’s business.
Stakeholders in attendance were the EMPD social crime prevention unit, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Far East Rand Hospital Crisis Centre, local NPOs, Kingsway Clinic, the National Prosecuting Authority, GBV brigades, Department of Community Safety, CPF, and Community in Blue (Siyabangena Patrollers), among others.
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