Child carers talk about International Child Awareness Week
"A week is not enough, though – it ought to be an everyday occasion.”
INTERNATIONAL Child Awareness Week took place from Monday, May 29 until Sunday, 4 June. The RECORD decided to find out what child carers in Alberton had to say about it.
Six women, who were at the AMCARE and Stepping Stone Hospice premises at the time and willing to be interviewed, shared their views. Basically, all of them agreed that it was a week of great importance.
Desiré Du Bois, who lives in Albertsdal, said: “It’s important that people know about Child Awareness Week, so that children can be helped. I think it’s informative to both parents and children. A week is not enough, though – it ought to be an everyday occasion.”
A woman from Leondale, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Heartless people don’t think twice about abusing, stealing, raping and killing children. There are a lot of sick people in the world, so we really need Child Awareness Week to make everyone more conscious and careful about these horrors.”
Zodwa Tlou, who lives in Vosloorus, said: “I feel so sorry for all the children who have been killed and abused. I think everyone should care about children and look out for them, because they are so vulnerable. Even if it’s not your own children, do what you can to keep them safe. It’s everyone’s duty.”
Hantie Knoetze, a resident from Benoni who grew up in Florentia, said: “Child Awareness Week is a great idea, but honestly, my opinion is that our law system is retarded and does not take child protection seriously enough. A child who has been raped, abused or killed can’t even get help until his/her court case has been resolved. It’s totally unacceptable. They need to do more!”
Natasha Besselaar, a resident from Brakpan who grew up in Alberton North, said: “All’s good and well for trying to protect our children through Child Awareness Week, but their true safety lies in the hands of their parents. If you raise your children properly and make sure they know how to respect others and protect themselves, you won’t constantly need to be worried about their safety. Educate your children, teach them right from wrong and then they will be more able to look after themselves in a dangerous situation.”
Zenzi Buthelezi, who lives in Thokoza, said: “I’m very impressed by Child Awareness Week. It is so necessary and needs to happen more often. Every time the news comes on, I see how children are constantly being abused and hurt. Children should be aware of their rights and always be ready to apply them. There must be justice.”
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
