Child activists and communities in South Africa are gearing up to commemorate National Child Protection Week, celebrated from 27 May to 02 June 2016. In line with this year’s theme, ‘Children’s Rights and Responsibilities’, the National Children and Violence Trust (NCVT) will collaborate with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence (SANCA), the South African Drug and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and non-profit organisation, Childline to help create awareness about children’s rights, responsibilities and the effects of substance abuse on minors. These organisations will celebrate with community members living in and around Cosmo City, Diepsloot, Fourways and Lanseria.

Nkosi Johnson, South Africa’s famous child AIDS activist, who died at the age of 12 once said: “Do all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place you are.” At such a young age, Johnson took responsibility for all those living with HIV/AIDS by doing all that he could, with the time that he had to advocate for children’s rights. This year’s theme calls for children to be mindful of their rights and positively influence their peers.

“Children have rights and are also expected to take ownership of these rights through responsible behaviour in their community, school and at home,” says NCVT Senior Social Worker, Nokwazi Dlamini. “At NCVT, we support vulnerable groups such as abused and violated women and children; the unemployed; and people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in any way that we can. This includes educating them about their rights,” adds Dlamini.

NCVT, together with NPA, SADAG, SANCA and Childline, will be hosting awareness campaigns on children’s rights and responsibilities at different schools across Gauteng. Guests will be entertained by NCVT’s Youth Choir and food and drinks will be provided. The events scheduled to take place include:

  • A motivational talk by NCVT Social Worker, Chido Goteka on Friday, 27 May 2016 at Witkoppen Primary School, Fourways.
  • An inspirational talk by NCVT Social Worker, Nokwazi Dlamini on Monday, 30 May 2016 at Bassa Primary School, Diepsloot.
  • A dramatic play depicting the rights and responsibilities of children performed by Nooitgedacht Primary School learners in Lanseria on Monday, 01 June 2016; followed by a cheering talk from NCVT Social Worker, Chivimbiso Mutibwichi.
  • A closing inspirational talk by NCVT Social Worker, Judith Mthombeni on Tuesday, 02 June 2016 at Far North High School, Cosmo City.

During the events, NCVT plans to launch their bright new logo which represents children’s freedom of expression and their right to live in a safe and happy environment, together with their loved ones. “Our new logo is a reminder of NCVT’s role in the lives of vulnerable groups, especially minors. It highlights the importance of working together as a community in order to achieve our common goal of social cohesion,” says Dlamini.

“Children’s rights shouldn’t go unnoticed within societies. As adults, we need to listen to the needs of our children. Their voices matter and should constantly echo in our hearts so that we can achieve a safe and free environment for all,” concludes Dlamini.

To make donations to NCVT or volunteer, members of the community can contact ncvtprojects@iafrica.com | +27 11 705-1960 | +27 11 467 4936. For more about NCVT, please visit www.ncvt.co.za.