Teddy Bear Foundation rides for awareness
“It was a nice outreach. Even though we might have been wet and cold at one stage, I honestly believe we made a difference,” said Juanni Botes.
On January 30 cyclists for the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) set out from Rietvlei in order to create awareness of child abuse and a response that leads to better outcomes for children and their families in the community.
The cyclists – Neels and Ria de Jager, Deon van Niekerk, Aletta Rossouw, Rudi Haarhoff, Arthur Blake, Graham Clark, Dawie Liebenberg, Andre Loots, Michael and Juanni Botes, Quintin van Buren, Francois le Grange and Schele and Dalene Bishop – split into pairs and handed out masks and information bookmarks.
The group stopped for coffee at the KFC in order to warm their chilled bones opposite Booysens Magistrate’s Court, where TBF has offices.
“TBF works closely with the Department of Justice,” said Dalene. “It is daunting for an adult to testify in court and more so for a child. TBF offers court preparation in order to reduce the secondary trauma to which children and their families are exposed when entering the child protection and justice systems. We have found that anxieties and fears are alleviated once children and their families are informed and have been familiarised with the roles of the court personnel. Children are exposed to a real courtroom situation and engage with this process through role plays, worksheets and simulation exercises.”
The court preparation programme has been developed after intensive research with the help and support of legal experts. They have received feedback that the court preparation strengthens children’s testimonies and ultimately assists the justice system in making clear and informed decisions.
“At TBF, children and their families are admitted to the court preparation programme at no cost,” said Dalene. “Refreshments and transport costs are covered as very often parents have to make a decision on providing food on the table or bringing the child for court preparation.”
Juanni captured the day’s activity best.
“Thank you all,” she said. “It was a nice outreach. Even though we might have been wet and cold at one stage, I honestly believe we made a difference.”
Should you wish to get involved by cycling, donating food and refreshments, or giving a monetary donation contact TBF donor liaison Dalene Bishop at daleneb@ttbc.org.za or on 083 469 9196.
