Child Protection Week awareness at Winnie Mandela Secondary

On June 4, Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), Imbumba Foundation and other stakeholders hosted a school talk during Child Protection Week at Winnie Mandela Secondary School.

National Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005. The campaign began in 1997 and aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure the care and protection of children.

TCC and Imbumba Foundation were joined by other stakeholders – Rabasotho SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, Coorporate Communication, Victim Friendly Room, Youth Desk, Community Policing Forum and the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Child Line and LoveLife.

The event aimed at educating the learners about sexual abuse, rape and bullying. Possession of drugs and taking weapons to school, crime safety tips and crime in general were also discussed.

Capt Manyadza Ralidzhivha, Rabasotho SAPS communications officer, said community safety was discussed.

“Some people are lured into doing things they didn’t expecting. Sometimes people offer help, pretending to go with you to a good place and that’s the start of human traffic,” said Ralidzhivha.

“Do not go near strangers. Do not accompany people you do not know, even if they ask to go to a place you are familiar with,” added Ralidzhivha.

He also said substances abuse is a serious problem, especially among the youth.

“The learners were also warned about the dangers of substance abuse. Once you become addicted, it is over and to get out is not easy. When you use drugs you will also lose your future and focus, your education and expectations are doomed. Rather stay away from friends who tell you drugs are good,” warned Ralidzhivha.

“Sexual offences are to be immediately reported. If anything unbecoming happened to you inform your teachers or your parents. You can also come to the Victim Friendly Facility at the police station where you will find people who will listen to you. Report any unbecoming behaviour to police, we will deal with it,” said Ralidzhivha.

Deputy principal of Winnie Mandela Secondary Mologodi Mabusela said it was a delightful event with different stakeholders coming together to impart knowledge on the learners.

“The rising issue is safety, safety of the learners at school and at home. They were taught to report any situation that doesn’t feel comfortable to them.

“Some of the burning issues is that some learners are not safe from the family members they reside with. They are physically or sexually abused by guardians or relatives,” said Mabusela.

Mabusela added that even school safety is often compromised by community members who look for a quick buck.

“One day I saw a boy carrying a burglar gate. When I arrived at school, we noticed one of the classroom’s burglar gate is missing. Luckily the boy was caught down the road,” said Mabusela.

Lethabo Mashile, a Grade 12 learner at Winnie Mandela Secondary, said it is a privileged to have the stakeholders coming together to share information.

“It is important for girls to have sanitary pads, especially during exam time in order not to miss a tests,” said Mashile.

“During studying time or exam sessions you find a girl distracted from the task at hand. They lose confidence in themselves. The stakeholders have restored their confidence by donating the sanitary pads.

“Each girl received four packs which could last a month or two. Financially, in the next coming months we are saved,” said Mashile.

Mashile also said it is not just about receiving, it also teaches the learners about giving to the needy.

“We are learning that we have to donate something to needy children because it was done for us,” said Mashile.