Zelda Manuel, founder of Moving Forward, in Parkwood, and fellow community leaders took to the streets on Sunday June 5 for a prayer walk to mark Child Protection Week, observed from May 29 to June 5.
Ms Manuel said the aim was to make children aware of how to protect themselves against teenage pregnancy, child abuse, drug abuse, child trafficking and kidnapping.
Tips shared with the children included: to walk in groups and not alone; not to talk with strangers or take money and sweets from strangers; to always tell their parents or caregivers about their whereabouts; not to let anyone touch them where they feel uncomfortable; and that children should be seen and not hurt.
“We must protect and care for other people’s children. Your child is my child and my child is your child. Children are the future and the kingdom of God,” said Ms Manuel.
According to the South African government, “National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).”