Celebrate children by protecting them

2011-05-24 18:04

Johannesburg - South Africans should celebrate National Child Protection Week by sharing the responsibility of ensuring that children are protected from abuse and vulnerability, the Salvation Army said on Tuesday.

Major Marieke Venter, chairperson of the Army's moral and social issues council, was addressing care givers from the organisation's children's homes around Johannesburg about the dangers South African children faced.

In recognition of Child Protection Week, which falls between May 23 and 29, Venter highlighted that South African children grew up in surroundings where they were exceptionally vulnerable to injuries, both deliberate and accidental, and that they were most vulnerable to human trafficking.

"Children are preyed upon in various ways and are literally tricked into going somewhere with their traffickers, and subsequently held against their will.

"We must also use this week to learn more about how we can help stop child-directed abuse and violence," Venter said.

She told the care givers that they had the necessary skills required to enhance the care given to neglected babies and children by making sure they got the treatment they needed both physically and emotionally.

"In an effort to improve education and give disadvantaged children the opportunity of a better future, The Salvation Army operates a number of créches and daycare centres across the country which also provides teaching facilities for the children as opposed to a simple child-minding facility," she said.

"By shielding children from harm, we are protecting the future of South Africa - doing what is our responsibility," Venter said.

- SAPA