National Centre for Child Protection visits Hearts of Hope children’s home in Wendywood

In an effort to teach young children about the importance of personal safety, members of the National Centre for Child Protection recently visited the Hearts of Hope children’s home in Wendywood.

The children were educated on various topics such as the consequences of their actions, the importance of telling the truth and not stealing, and taking care of their belonging as well as that of a friend.

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According to operational and relationship manager Dayna Rowland, having this educational talk in children’s homes and not only schools is equally important as children who are removed from abusive homes often carry their learnt behaviour with them to their new environment.

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“This, unfortunately, causes children with differing backgrounds to then be exposed to behaviour they were not previously exposed to.

“For this reason, along with many others, it is important to educate the children living in homes to show them that they are no longer living in the abusive environment and are now in a safe space with support around them from people who are trying to help and care for them.”

Another topic of discussion was teaching the children about the green and red zones on their bodies.

Rowland explained that if any of the children are touched in a red zone, it is critically important to shout “no” and “stop”. Thereafter the child must get out of the situation in a safe way and immediately report it to an adult in charge.

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She added that it is not always easy for children to sometimes understand their circumstances so constant reassurance, support and educational talks act as important tools to remind and assist them.

“It takes not one but rather a village to uplift and support children and the more hands working together to encourage and guide our children the better and higher chances we have at protecting these young souls.”

National Centre for Child Protection thanks Hearts of Hope CEO Deborah van Dongen and administrator Octavia De Sa for their warm welcome and continues passion for helping children in need.

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“We believe that if children are educated on what to do in situations this will equip them to keep safe, to be vigilant and to ensure they know when they are in danger, where to get help and how to get themselves out of the situation before they are harmed,” said Rowland.

Details: Sandton Child Protection Hotline – 079 687 3537

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