Children worry about gangsterism, child abuse, rape, poverty, crime, teenage pregnancy, safety on the streets, neglect, racism, bullying and drug abuse. This is according to the children of Delft, Western Cape, who were given an opportunity over the past few weeks to speak out about their concerns.
The dialogues with children were facilitated by the Department of Social Development as a build-up to the launch of the 2014 Child Protection Week (CPW), which took place at the Delft Technical High School on June 1.
About three hundred children’s opinions from six local schools were canvassed (mostly aged 12 to 18) around the issues of child protection and rights. True to children’s character, a small group of children delivered a summary of the dialogues report in song, poetry and stage playing.
Although delivered in light-hearted fashion, the message from the children was a serious one highlighting the difficult circumstances many children across the country have to grow up under.
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, responded by reminding the 1 500 children in the audience of their rights and how they should respond when faced with uncertain situations.
Minister Dlamini also signed a pledge on behalf of government and South Africans committing to protecting children. The pledge read:
Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights, equality and dignity. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only part of our basic values, but an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution for us to ensure their well-being. As South African citizens we commit ourselves:
- To promote and uphold the rights of all children, with specific focus on orphans and vulnerable children, including children with disabilities;
- To hear their voices on matters affecting their lives; and
- To care and protect them from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation by signing this pledge.
The children also took time during the launch to echo the international call for the safe return of the abducted Nigerian girls by shouting “Bring back our girls!”
Child Protection Week aims to promote the safety, well-being, care and protection of children. Through CPW, government and its partners raise awareness, as well as mobilise all sectors and communities towards understanding the perspective of holistic development regarding the care and protection of children. Throughout the week, various government departments will be involved in activities to this end.
South Africans are urged to wear a green ribbon to show their support to protecting the rights of children.
Media inquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
