SINCE it is the beginning of the school break, most children will be vulnerable and wandering the streets, thus susceptible to danger.
The Teddy Bear Clinic (TTBC) has embarked on a holiday programme and visited Turffontein Primary School, to inform the learners about protective skills they should cultivate during the schools’ recess.
Dr Shaheda Omar, TTBC director, said it is a known fact that children roam the streets during winter holidays and they do get into mischief.
“To prevent children engaging in sexual activities, drugs and alcohol, we deploy our social workers to teach the children protective skills,” she said.
”We combine play and learning.
”We teach them how to deal with behavioural changes, anger management – especially when they are being bullied, teach them empathy and how to restrain impulses, basically early intervention before there can be trouble subliminally.
“We also empower them to take informed decisions, because there is anecdotal evidence that there is abuse of children in general. Poverty is rife in the South and children can be exposed to lots of social ills and victimisation.”
School principal Pexie Jafta welcomed the social workers from TTBC and applauded the good work they are doing.
Teacher Percy Mavhunga said the programme is very important, because it teaches children to be vocal, to stand up against abuse.
“With this programme learners will not be afraid to approach the teachers when they are being abused at home,” he said.
”They are also subconsciously taught to memorise all important numbers, including the police and child welfare.”
The Teddy Bear Clinic was established in 1986 to provide holistic child protection services. Their mission is to minimise the secondary harm to children and their families when they enter the child protection system.
They provide expertise, information and support in order to make the journey a healing one. They can be contacted on 011 484 4554/39.
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