Methodist Children Ministry shines light on child protection
They said it is shocking to note that the numbers of cases on child abuse are increasing daily.
The month of May is child protection month in South Africa which is the great opportunity to bring issues of child abuse and neglect into the spotlight. As children are directly involved in all forms of exploitation, children then carried posters and placards with all forms of abuse they encounter in their daily lives.
LifeLine Zululand Social Workers Siphiwe Nzuza, Mandisa Ntinga Celimpilo Mthethwa, educators, officials from the SAPS which were represented by Captain Buthelezi and Sergeant Mbatha were invited to address the congregation under the theme ‘working together to protect children’. The service was opened by S.E. Mbatha and drew the congregation to the eloquent words of Luke 4: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed.”
The social workers stated that it is heartening to observe that Methodist church has set aside a Sunday to focus on the most vulnerable resource which is children, so that child abuse, neglect and exploitation can be reduced. They said it is shocking to note that the numbers of cases on child abuse are increasing daily. ‘’This is totally unacceptable that children have to endure this pain and agony. To rid our community of the scourge of abuse, neglect and violence it is everybody’s business therefor we must partner with one another to tackle the issues that undermine the right of children and we must not turn a blind eye on abuse irrespective of who the perpetrator is, all incidents should be reported.’’
They stated that it is very painful to see a ten year old child being pregnant because of rape and they emphasized that child support grant is there to assist poor mothers in raising their children. ‘’The child support is not for mothers to go to taverns and have a good time while leaving children unattended or with grandparents.’’
Church members were given the opportunity to ask questions or comments on the issue displaced on the table. Officials from the SAPS assisted in answering the questions. One of the church members testified that he witnessed child trafficking incident where a learner was taken on her way to school and was gang raped.
The church stewards extended a vote of thanks to all invited members.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
