30 May 2006
âSafe schools programme impacts positively on schoolsâ MEC Dugmore
The Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) Safe Schools Programme is
definitely having a positive impact on schools, said MEC Cameron Dugmore today
during a debate on the safety of children. At the same time he cautioned
against complacency. The national government launched National Childrenâs
Rights Month yesterday.
In a statement leading the debate in the Provincial Legislature today, MEC
Dugmore said sometimes an impression is created that government only responds
to crises. However "this is far from the truth. In fact, we have an integrated
prevention, crime control, intervention and response strategy."
In outlining the extent of challenges faced by government, he illustrated
the following statistics: In 2003 the WCED's Safe Schools Call Centre recorded
1 561 incidents ranging from abuse, burglary, and vandalism, crime and gang
violence.
In the year 2004 it has risen slightly to 1 958. In 2005 2 778 incidents
were recorded, and for 2006, up to 31 March this year, 1 038 incidents were
recorded. About two-thirds of all incidents recorded were from metropolitan
schools, MEC Dugmore said.
"These statistics were recorded by our Safe Schools Call Centre. All schools
have to report school crime. Data is captured and used in an integrated
approach to combat crime and violence. This provides an effective Victim
Empowerment programme to support and manage victims of crime and violence."
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
30 May 2006
