Give a Child a Family (GCF) in Margate is running a campaign which would enable local schools to be child safety zones, using one of its programmes called ‘Protective Behaviours’.
Pupils at participating schools wore green to highlight the importance of child protection.
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Trained facilitators from GCF, Snenhlanhla Shangase, Anna-Karin Ohrnstedt, Ntombi Qoyi and Monica Nomlala taught pupils skills they can use to identify unsafe situations and protect themselves from harm.
Ms Ohrnstedt said: “’Protective Behaviours’ is a personal safety programme, aimed at promoting resilience in children, young people and adults, using empowerment strategies, clear communication and awareness of ‘safe’ behaviours and spaces.
“We met with seven local schools, which were all excited about the idea of running this campaign to curb some of the social ills teachers are having to deal with.
“As it was such a busy term, most schools were thinking of running the campaign next term, but Port Shepstone Junior Primary decided not to wait.”
Ms Ohrnstedt pointed out that as GCF was a child protection organisation, it was cheered by the knowledge that there were schools on the coast willing to embrace the programme.
“Some of us are also parents and knowing that there are schools that care about the holistic well-being of their pupils is beyond heart-warming.”
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