Child Protection Week campaign in Hekpoort
The purpose of the awareness campaign was to promote children's rights, to promote awareness around child abuse, and to equip children with knowledge and skills to identify and report abuse and violations of their rights.
The Hekpoort police were out and about in the community, raising awareness for Child Protection Week.
Hekpoort Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Gloria Maswanganye explained that they visited a number of schools and many community members. While visiting the schools they focused on addressing bullying, rape, sexual offences, peer pressure, drugs and substance abuse, rights and responsibilities, and child abuse, and reminded learners about their goals and ambitions.
Learners were also encouraged to respect and love themselves, not let anyone touch their body without their consent, and to report all kinds of abuse including sexual abuse and harassment.
Children are very energetic about deciding how the world is going be after some years. If one could do some good in the life of a child, there might be a slight change in the world to come,” she said.
They were joined by the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Victim Empowerment Centre, Tshwaraganang Home Based Care and Teddy Bear Clinic, while they educated and tried to instil discipline amongst kids.
They started their campaign on Friday, May 27 with a visit to the Rand Gold Primary School and the Magaliesburg Group of Schools.
“The team was welcomed by principals of both schools, Emanuel Mukwevo of Randgold Primary School and Gift Katantha from Magaliesburg Group of Schools, who later thanked the team for the fruitful information that was brought to their learners.”
Next they visited the Dayspring Intermediate School’s grade 5 to 9 learners on Monday, May 30.
The principal of Dayspring also thanked the team for taking the time to go out and remind their learners of the importance of education, and that they must focus on their studies, not criminal activities.”
Their last visit was to Die Poort Primary Farm School on Tuesday, May 31.
“Learners were reminded to keep adhering to Covid-19 protocols, and they were encouraged to vaccinate and take care for their health. The principal of Die Poort Primary Farm School thanked the team for their support, commitment and hard work.
“The purpose of the awareness campaign was to promote children’s rights, to promote awareness around child abuse, and to equip children with knowledge and skills to identify and report abuse and violations of their rights.”
Sergeant Maswanganye said the Teddy Bear Clinic also explained to the children that they must never be bullied into silence and they must never allow themselves to be made victims. They made sure the learners knew that they were not alone and that the Teddy Bear Clinic is always there and they care.
She also shared important numbers to keep on hand:
• Childline: 08000 55555
• Flying Squad: 10111
• Teddy Bear Clinic: 011 484 4554
