VEREENIGING.- Gender-based violence (GBV) affecting children and families in the Vaal seems to be on the rise and cause for concern.

Efforts to raise awareness and educate learners about the serious issues of GBV led to an awareness campaign hosted by Michael Rua Intermediate Farm School in Walkerville last Wednesday. This initiative, organised by Temono Xhane who works as a learner Support Agent, was hailed a great success with the positive respond from the community and stakeholders.

“My role involves supporting vulnerable learners across various key areas, including health promotion, material support, safety and protection, social welfare services. We also partner with external organisations,” explained Xhane.

Xhane told Sedibeng Ster the main aim was to educate learners on GVB, empower them with knowledge and equip them with the necessary tools to recognise and speak out against such issues. The event saw learners take part in performances that aimed to make the messages resonate and be impactful. Some of the activities that formed part of the day were poetry, traditional dancers, gumboot dance, pantsula dance and a GBV play by the grade three learners.

According to Xhane the activities served as a creative way to communicate the message of unity against GBV. The Midvaal Local Municipality was also present to support this initiative. Some of the stakeholders and organisations who were in attendance were SAPS, Social Department, Lebza Café, Badumetse baTho Centre, Randvaal Clinic and Badumetse Batho Centre.