Rietgat police and Department of Correctional Services embark on school safety campaign
"These kinds of campaigns help nurture learners to become better adults and contribute positively towards redirecting the country's moral compass especially in townships."
Rietgat police together with the Department of Correctional Services embarked on a safety campaign at Tlamaganyo primary school in Soshanguve block FF on Monday morning, where learners were educated about social ills plaguing local schools.
The two government entities focused on bullying, drugs, theft, sexual assault, drugs, child trafficking, dangerous weapons, gender-based violence and domestic violence.
The learners were also sensitised to be careful about what is happening around them and to report any acts of violence.
Police spokesperson Stephen Maluleka said the visit was per the principal’s request, however, school talks are part of their monthly scope.
“The campaign shared information to about 200 learners, also aimed to inculcate a culture of safety to the children while teaching them to take care of others.
“These kinds of campaigns help nurture learners to become better adults and contribute positively towards redirecting the country’s moral compass especially in townships.”
Maluleka said the focus on primary school learners was primarily to nip problems in the bud at the foundation phase so when they got to high school they would have their moral compass intact.
“Some of the social ills experienced mostly at schools are but are not limited to bullying, drugs and theft.
If these ills are not curbed or dealt with early they tend to have ripple effects where children end up bunking school and start mixing with the wrong people and committing serious crimes.”
He said parents had an important role to play in making sure their children became responsible adults.
“We can only assist to shape the future of their children. Therefore, parents need to establish a good rapport with teachers so that they know how their children behave at school. That in itself encourages children to work even harder and focus on their academic growth than on social ills.
“School talks remains an important element in the learners’ lives and it is vital in shaping learners into becoming responsible and better adults. Therefore, the police role is very indispensable to education in general.”
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