Dr Yusuf Dadoo shines spotlight on child safety
To ensure çhild safety, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital's Social Work Department hosted the Child Protection Awareness Campaign recently.
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According to the project co-ordinator, Madi Mononela, the purpose was to engage caregivers, professionals and community members on the issues regarding child abuse and neglect. The day was also meant to encourage a collective action to safeguard children.
There is a sterling need to promote a safe, loving, and supportive environment for the young ones, where they can feel protected, empowered, and free to grow up with good memories that shape their future positively.'
As usual, a green ribbon was the order of the day, symbolising an alarm to promote child safety.
One of the parents present, Poppy Gone, advised on continuous awareness as it is a great initiative.
'Children are the future generation that needs to be protected from bullies and all manner of attacks at all times,' she said.
National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children according to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). The week is an important event on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) calendar and has been celebrated in South Africa since 1997.
Madi added that the campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations, rendering child protection services.
'The government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse.
It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.
'Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and the equality and dignity of everyone. Protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.'
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