Child protection in schools top priority
Rights of children under the spotlight during Child Protection Week
THE RIGHTS of children are at the fore this week as the country commemorates Child Protection Week.
Leading the awareness campaign in Richards Bay were teachers at Sitholinhlanhla Primary School in Mzingazi who on Monday reiterated their pledge to teach, love, care and protect their pupils.
The local primary school kicked off their campaign with guest speakers from Richards Bay SAPS, Richards Bay Family Care, Syathuthuka Welfare Organisation and Drumaide.
Promoting an end to abuse, violence and violation of children and their rights, speakers addressed the pupils on topics of rape, types of abuse, bullying and where they can seek help.
Smah Myeza, representative of Drumaide warned pupils against the ‘blesser/blesee’ phenomenon which is vigorously doing the rounds.
‘These blessers will approach you as young children and offer you things that you cannot get at home such as cellphones, expensive clothing, tablets and other technological gadgets.
‘You are at that age where you would like all these things but maybe your family cannot afford them; do not be tempted to fall for these blessers, they only want one thing and that is sex.
‘There is nothing for nothing, so do not be fooled into thinking they will give you these expensive gifts and presents without expecting something in return.’
Highlighting another major concern in schools, Richards Bay SAPS W/O Aroo Mathosi said bullying was a major problem and pupils should be aware of the signs of bullying.
‘Bullying is very difficult for children to deal with, it makes you feel afraid and degraded and often it makes a person feel like they are worthless.
‘You must not keep quiet, bullying must be reported.
‘You have to tell someone, you may not want to do this because it means showing that you are vulnerable or you are letting someone get the better of you, but it is important to tell someone otherwise it may not stop.
‘Speak to a friend, parent, brother or sister, uncle or aunt and most importantly, if it happens at school, speak to your teacher,’ said W/O Mathonsi.
