2 November 2006
It will be a fun filled weekend for 28 poor North West children who
travelled to Mpumalanga to join their counterparts from other provinces to
commemorate International Children's Day on Saturday.
Children between the ages 10-15 years from poor communities will participate
in the medical festival which will include the screening of eye and dental
health, hearing, physical fitness and aptitude testing.
The acting premier Reverend OJ Tselapedi said government stands firm in
dealing with developmental issues of children. He said the transformation of
the state machinery for responsiveness to the needs of children is
continuing.
"As government we have made progress in addressing issues around development
of children. It is against this background that we call upon our partners,
civil society, business and others to help strengthen hope in the children's
sector," said Rev Tselapedi.
At the medical festival, children found in need of further attention will be
referred for follow up treatment.
A sports competition involving children representing their provinces is in
line. This part of the programme will identify talent that could be nurtured,
to ensure that the potential of gifted children, which could shift them from
poverty.
At least 1 000 children from provinces are expected at the Children's
Medical Festival while 6 000 are expected to participate nationally.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
2 November 2006
