BARRAGE – More than 300 learners at Barrage Primary School received an important lesson on safety and child protection during a massive awareness campaign led by police and community stakeholders on May 8.

The initiative, held in observance of Child Protection Month, brought together members of the SAPS, Sedibeng District Social Crime Co-ordinators, communication officers, the Sebokeng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, SAPS Provincial Communication, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Services, the Gauteng Department of Education, Barrage Siyabangena Patrollers and the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

According to Barrage Police spokesperson Sophia Gaboutlwelwe, approximately 335 learners were reached during the school talk.

“This is an ongoing initiative to observe Child Protection Month, to raise awareness to children and communities of the paramount importance of taking care of children and protecting them so that they do not fall victim to crime,” she said.

Learners were educated about different forms of abuse, bullying, crime prevention, and the importance of speaking out when facing danger or abuse.

The programme also encouraged stronger partnerships between schools, parents, police, and the broader community to ensure children grow up in safer environments.

Authorities said the campaign forms part of continuous efforts to fight crimes against children and create awareness in communities across Sedibeng.