Preschool children march against abuse
Thirteen early childhood development centres participated in the march.
Over 100 pre-school children from the Rainbow ECD Forum took to the streets of Mamelodi recently to raise awareness about child abuse.
The walk formed part of the national Child Protection Month campaign, which promotes the rights, safety and well-being of children in South Africa.
Nombulelo Mhlongo of the forum in Mamelodi East said the march was organised by 13 early childhood development centres in Mamelodi that are members of the forum.
Children and staff from different preschools, including principals, marched from Vukani Mawethu Secondary School in Mamelodi West (Section D2) to Moretele Park Resort, spreading the message of children’s rights.
Mhlongo said the theme for the 2026 Child Protection Month is ‘Working together to end violence against children’.
She added that Mamelodi ECDs are collaborating with law-enforcement agencies, stakeholders and the wider community to end violence against children.
“To reach our goal of protecting all children, we must also teach them about their rights,” Mhlongo said.
The awareness campaign taught children about their rights and the different kinds of abuse, as well as where to report crimes and whom they can trust.
The annual event sees foundation phase children take to the streets to raise their voices.
This year, the march was joined by social workers, police and metro police, who emphasised that Child Protection Month is not only about abuse but also about the dangers of drugs, crime and bullying.
Mhlongo said organisers encouraged children not to be afraid of the police, who are allies for young children.
The preschools called on families, communities, schools, civil society and government departments to work together to create safer environments and to safeguard vulnerable children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Mhlongo concluded that the event was a success, combining fun and learning. Children also took part in sports activities at Moretele Park Resort.
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