Pupils were taught their rights and responsibilities in commemoration of National Child Protection Week which took place from 30 May to 2 June.
This was thanks to the National Children and Violence Trust (NCVT) which, together with their partner organisations, hosted an awareness campaign on children’s rights and responsibilities at different primary schools that are in and around the Fourways area.
The NCVT social workers campaigned for children’s rights throughout National Child Protection Week. Among the schools they visited were Witkoppen Primary School in Fourways, Bassa Primary School in Diepsloot and Nooitgedacht Primary School in Lanseria.
“It is so important that pupils realise that they can take responsibility for their actions and that their rights should not overwrite their responsibilities at home and at school,” NCVT senior social worker, Nokwazi Dlamini said.
The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the South African Drug and Anxiety Group and non-profit organisation, Childline joined the NCVT for activities throughout the week which ended on 1 June in Lanseria.
The social workers taught the pupils the importance of being responsible minors and to be mindful of their rights. The campaign kicked off on 27 May, with Grade R pupils at Witkoppen Primary School reciting, ‘I have a right to be loved and I have a right to be protected’. The pupils also enjoyed playing with the bear mascot .
A Grade 4 pupil of Nooitgedacht Primary School performed a poem titled Children’s Declaration which highlighted his rights as a child.
The pupils were also taught the importance of being vigilant at all times and to not talk to strangers unless in the company of a trusted adult. A list of some rights and responsibilities, published by the National Programme of Action (NPA) for children in the country, was shared with pupils at each school.
This is what it said:
- Having the right to be heard, means you are equally responsible for listening to other people and respecting them.
- The right to good health care, especially when sick, means you are also responsible for taking care of your health.
- The right to be loved and protected from harm comes with the responsibility of caring for others.
- Having the right to go to school and learn comes with respecting teachers.
