Children’s right related issues addressed
A non-profit organisation called Tswelopele Youth Development, based in Vosloorus Extention 25, held a children’s workshop to discuss topics like respect and children’s rights on Wednesday, March 21.
The workshop, which was held in line with Human Rights Day, took place at J Dumane Community Hall in Vosloorus Extention 2.
Sarah Makhafula, founder and director of Tswelopele Youth Development, said they want children to be aware of the issues that affect them.
“Children must know that they have rights and that their rights need to be respected. At the same time, they must know that rights go hand in hand with responsibility. I want these children to grow up responsible, so if they want to be responsible citizens one day they must not only claim their rights, but they must be responsible as well,” said Makhafula.
Children were offered an opportunity to sit in groups and discuss issues that affect them.
Makhafula asked them to sit in groups to mention the rights and responsibilities they know, such as:
• Children have the right to be taken seriously. The responsibility that goes with that right is to listen to others.
• Children have the right to quality medical care. The responsibility is to take care of themselves.
• Children have the right to a good education. The responsibility is to study and respect their teachers.
• Children have the right to be loved and protected from harm. The responsibility is to show love and caring to others.
• Children have the right to special care for special needs. The responsibility is to be the best people they can be.
• Children have the right to be proud of their heritage and beliefs. The responsibility is to respect the origins and beliefs of others
• Children have the right to a safe and comfortable home. The responsibility is to share in keeping it neat and clean.
• Children have the right to make mistakes. Their responsibility is to learn from those mistakes.
• Children have the right to be adequately fed. The responsibility is not to waste food.
Makhafula was excited about the response from the children but was disappointed with lack of support from parents.
“Children were taught what is needed from them so that they will be regarded as children who respect to their parents and older members of the community.
“Children must not only respect their parents but must respect every old person in the community,” Makhafula said.
She said children must not listen to everything they are told by their friends but rather listen to their parents.
“Peer pressure is dangerous because if you listen to your friend you might end up listening to people who are a bad influence and who are unruly at their homes. It is better to listen to parents always. Your parents will never lead you astray,” said Makhafula.
Children were entertained with traditional dance, music, poetry and drama.
Makhafula pleaded with parents to support her by allowing children to come to her workshops in Vosloorus Extention 25.
“I do not want any payment from them but only children, so that I will teach them everything they need to know about growing responsible,” said Makhafula.
For more information about the dates and venue for the workshops, she can be contacted at 073 7654 447.
She said even though she is based in Extention 25, children from other sections of Vosloorus are more than welcome.
