- The Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) and various community organisations recently held a silent protest to mark Child Protection Week
- Participants, including children and adults, held placards urging the community to speak out against child abuse and protect vulnerable children.
- Logra Civic highlighted the importance of parental vigilance and community involvement.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” says Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chair Nicole Jacobus, who joined a silent protest to mark Child Protection Week.
Grassy Park CPF, together with the Grassy Park police youth desk, junior commissioners (a group of youth that play an active role in initiating education and awareness campaigns on issues that affect the safety of learners), the Salvation Army and the Lotus River, Ottery, Grassy Park Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (Logra Civic) held a silent demonstration at various intersections in Grassy Park on Saturday 25 May to mark the week.
“Children have become the target of unscrupulous people who exploit them for nefarious activities,” says Jacobus.
Holding placards with the words ‘No excuse, speak out against child abuse’ and ‘Love us’ children and adults stood in silence to highlight the importance of child protection.
Jacobus encouraged children to never be afraid to speak up if anyone is hurting them.
“Don’t let abuse go unnoticed and unchallenged. There are people and institutions available to assist, so speak out.”
She reminded parents and community organisations that every individual had a duty to protect children.
“Everyone in the community has a role to play, but children are often seen unsupervised on the streets. This can no longer continue in the face of kidnapping and people hurting our children. We call on our community and parents, especially to take every precaution to keep our children out of harm’s way.”
Close eye
Jacobus’ advice to parents is to keep a close eye on their children and have a kind, empathetic ear to listen.
“We call on parents to have a ready ear when their child speaks. Sometimes, they say things and draw your attention with their body language.
“Listen when your child is hurting, and pay attention to the children in our communities. Sometimes, children act out because of neglect and their concerns being ignored. Children must be heard and not hurt.”
Meanwhile, Logra Civic secretary Shona Arendse said it was important for organisations to work together for child protection.
“Our participation in Child Protection Week is to create a shielding, safe place for our children who are often soft targets and vulnerable, she said. “It is imperative to highlight child protection among all stakeholders and it is a Logra and Grassy Park Empowerment Forum (GPEF) objective.”
Arendse pointed out that one of the most important aspects, when it comes to child protection, is for all organisations to be united.
