Centres unite children to assert their rights
The children marched from Section A1 next to Engen Garage in Mamelodi West to Softball sports grounds, spreading the message of children’s rights.
Early childhood development centres in Mamelodi east took to the street on Friday to raise awareness about the rights of children.
The participants were from 20 pre-schools in Mamelodi East and the far east of Mamelodi.
Eulenda Mahlangu of Rainbow Forum said it consists of 20 pre-schools and the campaign was about teaching children their rights and about drugs, HIV/Aids and different kinds of abuse.
Mahlangu said this was an annual event whereby the children in the foundation phase went out to the streets to raise their voices.
The children marched from Section A1 next to Engen Garage in Mamelodi West to Softball sports grounds, spreading the message of children’s rights.
Mahlangu said they were joined by police, social workers and the community policing forum.
The children walked the streets of Mamelodi, holding placards with messages of children’s rights.
“The walk is aimed at spreading the message of protecting children as well as educating the public about children’s rights,” said Mahlangu.
Mamelodi West police spoke to the children about their safety.
The children were told not to accept gifts from strangers and to always listen to their parents.
Mahlangu said police told the children that many kids get lost at shopping malls and made them promise to always listen to their parents to avoid getting lost.
Police also warned parents against leaving their children unsupervised or under the supervision of another child.
The children were also taught about places to report abuse to and people to trust.
She added that parents and children supported Child Protection Month and stood against any form of abuse.
The event also taught children about different types of abuse, drugs and how addicts behaved.
Mahlangu encouraged children to love themselves, never do drugs, and to help addicted friends.
“The event wants to teach children about their rights at an early age, and where to report crimes,” she said.
The event was a success and ended with children competing against each other in different sporting activities and entertainment.
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