‘Your child is my child’
Child Protection is held annually to raise awareness on the rights of children.
Child Protection Week is held yearly to raise awareness of the rights of children.
Ashley Theron who was part of the conceptualisation of Child Protection Week years ago believes it can’t be just seven days to raise awareness, although, he said it is not realistic to have it throughout the year.
“Child Protection Week is also about raising awareness about services and programmes that are run throughout the year.
“We have Child Protection once a year to make sure that people are aware of and remember the plight of children,” said Theron who also sees himself as a champion for children.
He said it is important to go back to principles of ubuntu where ‘your child is my child’. “The community must assume responsibility of all children,” Theron said.
If children are abused, they will be withdrawn and are afraid to speak.
He said children are often afraid to say that they are being abused, especially if they are abused by parents.
Physical scars or signs aren’t always visible.
“Sometimes children don’t want to talk because they are afraid that parents will get in trouble, it is up to teachers who see signs to speak to children and report parents,” Theron said.
He said it is important for teachers to be approachable and trustworthy in order for children to open up about their abuse.
“We need to have more friends of children in our communities,” Theron said.
He runs a Facebook page Prayer for and Protection of Children 365 Days a Year where he offers advice and information on abuse.
