Children at Sunshine Centre Craighall learn about their rights from police
CRAIGHALL – Children at Sunshine Centre are educated about their rights by Randburg Police.
Children’s rights, and the education of such, was celebrated at Sunshine Centre Craighall on 30 May.
Randburg Police visited the centre to teach the children about their fundamental rights under the South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights (Section 28) during the course of Child Protection Week from 28 May to 4 June.
Every class created a beautiful banner that described each of the rights. During the week, educators worked hard to make sure each child could recite their rights by heart.
The centre is run for children with disabilities and focuses on early childhood development. It is supported by the Departments of Social Development and Health. Although it is a non-profit organisation, parents do pay a small amount in school fees, which is used for operational costs. The centre caters mainly for children with disabilities, but they do include those without.
Social worker and centre manager Boitumelo Ntamela said, “Most of the children are from poor backgrounds, so we have to fundraise whenever we can.”
Ntamela discussed the importance of educating children about their rights. “Children in South Africa are not always safe. We need to let them know what their rights are and who they can trust.”
Randburg police spokesperson Captain Makgowanyana Maja and Sergeant Dipuo Maphanga explained to the children that they all have the right to be loved and the right to an education. Maphanga said, “No one has the right to touch you, this is your body. If someone touches you or hurts you inappropriately, you need to shout and tell your mom or teacher.”
She added that with every right comes responsibility and that all children need to be respectful to one another.
Speaking to the children Maphanga said, “From the police, we love you and will always look out for you.”
A learner at the centre Gift Ndlovu said, “I take my rights seriously, it is my responsibility.”
Basic rights:
- You are equal to everyone else
- You have the right to live
- You have the right to freedom and security
- Slavery and forced labour are not allowed
- You have the right to privacy, which means if you want to be left alone, you have the right to do this.
Details: Sunshine Centre Craighall, craighall@sunshine.org.za or 011 268 0710.
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