Kraaifontein community rallies for child safety during National Child Protection week

The event, held in the Kraaifontein central business district, brought together representatives from the police, Child Welfare SA, the provincial Department of Social Development, healthcare providers and non-profit organisations. Children participated in a range of activities, including colouring stations and a fingerprinting booklet activity. National Child Protection Week is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness of children’s rights and the need to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

This year’s campaign runs from May 29 to June 5 under the theme: “Working together in ending violence against children.” Warrant Officer Louise Strydom, social crime prevention officer at Kraaifontein police station, said the awareness event was designed to draw attention to the importance of protecting children. “All of us deal with children every day and they are our top vulnerable clients in our area. They need support, they need caring and they need love,” she said.

A key feature of the event was the introduction of a child identification booklet containing personal information and distinguishing features of a child that could assist police if a child goes missing. “We created a little booklet with personal information and outstanding characteristics where a child stands out from the crowd. Maybe there is a scar or a birthmark, or the child has got a blue and a brown eye.That stands out for us. Maybe there is a scar or a birthmark, or the child has got a blue and a brown eye.