‘Protect our kids, they are the future’

Women Against Women and Child Abuse (WAWA) said they’ll do everything in their power to make sure that children are protected.

The organisation also marked Child Protection Week (30 May to 6 June) and said they’re behind the banner: ‘Let us all protect our children through Covid’.

Enrique Bhana of WAWA said by creating awareness and talking to people about the things that put children in the community in harm’s way, the young ones can be made safer.

However, he attributed various factors that are making children vulnerable to abuse, neglect, deprivation and violence such as extreme poverty, chronic illness, a lack of social support as well as education.

“Run-down or inadequate housing, dangerous streets, noise and blighted neighbourhoods – all these have effects on those who experience them every day, which is part of the problem,” Bhana said.

Stress of living in a difficult situation carries over into many other areas of life, he said.

“The other problem is that children lack proper recreation facilities such as swimming pools, sports grounds and parks,” Bhana explained.

However, he said at WAWA they’ve held campaigns in schools in parts of Rand West City and Mogale City to educate the public about protecting children.

Bhana has advised people to report child abuse, neglect and exploitation on the following contact numbers: Crime Stop – 08600 1011; Childline – 0800 055 555; Department of Social Development – 0800 601 011; WAWA – 010 023 2750.

He said parents can also be part of the solution by being the eyes and ears in the community, and being the mouthpiece of their children.

“WAWA is a place of Hope for the Hopeless and we’ll do whatever it takes to protect the children, because they’re the future,” Bhana added.

Bhana has given the following tips for the public to help fight for children rights:

• Talk openly with your child about their online activity
• Keep screens and devices where you can see them
• Know your parental controls
• Know who your children’s online friends are
• Be ‘share aware’ to protect your privacy
• Keep control of your family’s digital footprint
•Teach your children to keep their location private
• Keep track of online time
• Be #SocialNetworkSavvy
• Lead by example

One of the quotes by the South African Human Rights Commission about Children’s right reads: “I have the right to be protected from abuse and; I should care for others and not bully other children”.

Child Protection Week is between May 30 and June 6.

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