National Child Protection Week is recognised annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of South Africa and The Children's Act.
In celebrating the country’s 30 years of freedom and democracy, is important to pause and reflect on South Africa’s strides and progress in protecting the rights of children. Children in South Africa live in a society with a constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of all citizens. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.
For more than 40 years, SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa has been providing alternative care and child protection services to over 700 children in our villages, and over 4500 children in our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). Our FSP interventions for children are aimed at equipping families to better care for their children, so that complete family breakdown is avoided, so that no child should grow up alone.
Our programmes, aim to equip each child with skills so they can grow into a self-reliant adult, who can become a contributing member of society. We have forums with children where they express how best they can be protected by their caregivers and the society they grow up in. E.g., not to have their names visible for everyone to see. This is a common mistake parents do, writing children’s names, especially on their school bags, so that it is easily identifiable should it get lost. This makes them easy targets.
During this week, SOS Children’s Village Mthatha invites all the local Child and Youth Care Centres for a 2 hour march to raise their voices against human trafficking, of which children are the biggest victims.
At every stage of their lives, children at SOS Children’s Villages across SA are afforded psychological, emotional, psycho-social care, fully supported by professional social workers and a team of other childcare experts.
It is possible to build a more sustainable and equitable future for tomorrow’s adults. It starts with strengthening families so that children can grow up with stable relationships. We must provide increased social protection services and direct support to struggling families so they can stay together. It is essential that we secure access to education for all children and youth and invest in reducing the digital divide.
“As South Africans, we hold the power to shape the future for our children and youth. It is our collective responsibility to choose representatives who prioritize the optimal development and safety of our children. By electing leaders dedicated to investing in education, healthcare, mental health support, and robust protective services, we lay the foundation for a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future. Let us come together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, making informed choices at the ballot box for the sake of our children,” says Kgomotso Loate, Child Protection Officer.
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About SOS Children’s Villages South Africa
SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS has eight Children’s Villages and three Social Centres across eight provinces.
Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to more than 5 000 children across the country.
The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).
Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families to grow within a safe family environment, by building the family’s resilience. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.
For More Information
Contact Seithuto Seakgwa on +27 (0) 79 122 3332 or Seithuto.Seakgwa@sos.org.za.
Issued by:
SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa