A community commemorates its children’s protection
On Friday, the Department of Social Development hosted a fun day to commemorate Child Protection Week.
The event was held at the Springs Rugby Stadium.
Senior social worker, Mantoa Sekgota, says that the event was initiated to bring awareness to the community and children about the importance of child safety and children’s rights.
“We are the custodians of the Child Protection Act,” says Mantoa, “so it is our responsibility to make sure that every child is protected and safe.”
Various stakeholders collaborated at the event, which brought together children from primary and pre-schools around the Springs area.
“It was important that we collaborate with different stakeholders and organisations for the purpose of communicating the message that it takes a collective effort to raise and protect children,” says Mantoa.
“It is not just our department that must be responsible and accountable about children’s rights, but the community as a whole.”
The theme for the initiative was in line with the national theme of “Let us protect children to move South Africa forward.”
Mantoa emphasises that children should not only be protected but holistically developed to lead productive and meaningful lives, which will stem from awareness of self-worth.
“Children’s rights are about children knowing and understanding their value,” she says, “they are about creating an unshakable foundation in children about who they are as participants of society, now and in the future.”
The event saw children from various primary and preschools gathered to watch displays about children’s rights; children’s performances; children’s game as well as food and beverages for all in attendance.
Five hundred children were expected to attend, but more than 600 were in attendance, which speaks to the success of the initiative.
“We are happy about the turn-out and support we have received,” says Mantoa. “We hope to grow this initiative with every year.”
