South Africa: Yesterday, 06 December 2022, the Children’s Directorate hosted the second day of its provincial Child Participation dialogue at ENGO, Bloemfontein. The theme for this year is “maximizing the voices of children in addressing social ills affecting them”.
With the plight of gender based violence and femicide(GBVF) at its peak, the Provincial Children’s Parliament took time to exchange views that are affecting South Africans on a daily basis, so it is befitting that the caucus took place within the period of 16 Days of activism for no violence against women and children.
Other social ills that were also discussed amongst the delegates is the predicament many children find themselves in at schools where many face bullying, which in turn causes school related violence and, ultimately, death in some instances.
Stakeholders from SALGA, the Department of Education and the Office of the Premier gave words of encouragement to the incoming principals.
Mr Refilwe Masemane, a representative from the Premier’s Office, encouraged them to use their voices and be audible so that next time when there’s such a platform, they will be able to get exposure and be exposed to greater opportunities.
“I wish you well, and I hope that from here, you’ll be able to impart to your friends and school mates back at home. We want when you come next time, you should come up with sustainable solutions. Child participation is about raising the voices of the voiceless, and as the office of the premier, you’ve got our full support. You did well”, Masemane said.
Residence from the province seemed very happy and excited at the same time. One of the residents, Mateboho Letele Koko, Director at TWYDO Financial Service, said, “Wow!!! Good work Retha Leteleforward we gì koena.”
On the other hand, HOD for Maths-Science at Technology School also commented with emojis.
