Free State Premier, Ace Magashule has called upon the Free Staters, united in their diversity, to care and protect the Children as the world marks the Child Protection Week which is commemorated from 27 May to 2 June 2013. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Working Together to Protect Children”.
The International Children’s Day is commemorated on the 1 June 2013 as a day dedicated specifically to raising awareness and alleviating the plight of Children all over the world. It was first proclaimed by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925 and then established universally in 1954 by the UN General Assembly to protect children working long hours in dangerous circumstances and allow all children access to an education.
On the occasion of the Child Protection Week, 30 May 2013 in Parys, Premier Magashule observed the event by handing over school uniform (school shoes, jerseys and tracksuits) to 1 205 needy children. “I call upon Educators, Parents, and the Community to pay special attention, in order to understand and learn more about the more important social issues affecting our children, said Magashule on the occasion.”
The Special Programmes Unit in the Office of the Premier is working with the Department of Social Development in the province to ensure that all other responsible bodies such as Government Departments, Municipalities, and Non-Government and Civic Bodies create an atmosphere of care for the children of the province.
The increased levels of awareness and alleviating of the plight of children is done throughout the year and reaching all parts of the province to ensure that the children of the province receive all necessary forms of social protection and access to educational opportunities.
The integrated programmes of the Provincial Government working together with other sector stakeholders are providing un-interrupted services to children by enabling them access to social grants, enabling documents such as birth certificates, immunisation, protection from domestic violence and abuse.
The events of the Child Protection will end on the 2 June 2013, however, the extension of protection and care to the children of the Free State is an every-day obligation by all the people of the province said Magashule in conclusion.
