The Rotara School for learners with special educational needs at Watersedge was the centre of the police action in Carletonville’s Child Protection Week.

South Africa observes Child Protection Week annually from May 29 to June 5, a campaign that has expanded into a month-long awareness drive throughout May. It educates communities on children’s constitutional rights and addresses critical issues like statutory rape, neglect, and gender-based violence.
According to Captain Plastiek Janse van Vuuren of the Carletonville Police, he decided to focus on Rotara School after speaking to one of the social workers, Mmapiti Mkhobo, recently.

Instead of just visiting the school and speaking to the learners, they held a special colouring competition for the learners. The youngsters had to colour a scene from a SAPS colouring book. The winners were chosen by community members on June 3.

After an incredibly difficult task of choosing the winning pictures, these will now be auctioned to businesses.

Each of the school’s learners, even those without the physical ability to take part in the competition, received certificates, while the winners will also receive sponsored prizes.

Janse van Vuuren and his colleague, Sergeant Thabo Mathebula, also shared safety tips with the learners, while a health promoter of the Gauteng Department of Health in Carletonville, Wandiswa Bongani, shared important safety tips while doing dances and games.

“Everyone, including the principal, Mr Naresh Hansraj, endorsed the action, and I think it is one of the most successful we have ever had,” says Janse van Vuuren.