GQEBERHA – As the South African Police Service (SAPS) is committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, care and protection of children through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, SAPS Kwazakele in partnership with non-government organisations (NGO) and the Community Policing Forum visited the KK Ncwane Primary School on Friday, 4 June 2021 and addressed the learners on children’s rights, drugs, domestic violence and bullying. The theme,’ Let us all Protect Children during Covid-19 and beyond’ was the key focus during Child Protection Week.

Speakers from the Community Policing Forum; the victim friendly room volunteer; local NGO, Abathunywa Family Resource Centre and the SAPS re-iterated that the protection of our children is everyone’s business and responsibility and urged the learners and educators to continue reporting any child abuse, neglect or exploitation when and where there are any suspicion of it happening to the nearest police station or to the SAPS’s Crime Stop number 08600 10111. The children were made aware of the various support systems that are available in order to mitigate the impact of this social illness. Children were encouraged to never give up on their dreams and were motivated to aspire to their highest potential.

The Abathunywa Family Resource Centre is a locally based NGO in Kwazakele and was formed in 2015 by former educators funded by the Department of Social Development in order to support struggling school children and offer on and off site consultations to those who need assistance. Learners were encouraged to make use of this facility.

On conclusion of this informative awareness programme, the Abathunywa Resource Centre donated sanitary towels to the school. The CPF through their sponsorship also handed out chocolates to the learners.

The school extended their heartfelt appreciation to all the stakeholders for making time amid COVID19 to address these important issues with their learners.

The SAPS vowed to intensify their efforts in turning the tide against the abuse of women, children and vulnerable groups. Learners in turn were encouraged to report crime and refrain from engaging themselves in criminal activities and to aim to become role models within their communities.

Source: South African Police Service