Africa: In celebration of the 46th anniversary of June 16 with the purpose of bringing awareness to bullying, the plight of children in conflict with the law, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
Mr Godfrey Fingo, a Social worker in the Mangaung Metro Municipality, encouraged forster parents and children to develop themselves and help end the scourge of GBV, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying etc.
He further added that June 16 commemoration gives young people hopes and dreams as South Africans that they should no longer see themselves going back to the era of Apartheid where children were being hit for standing up for their rights.
Amongst other activities was a dialogue session between Community Development Practitioner, Mrs Mamile Maranyane; social workers, forster parents and childcare workers.
The key questions addressed were “how can we help our children realise their role in community development as parents and care givers” and “how can we make them realise that teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and bullying can adversely affect the development or improvement of their families”.
This session was held to motivate parents and give them tools on how to deal with children as they face different issues and pressures.
“As forster parents, we have a role and a responsibility in instilling values and morals in children we care for so that they can become responsible citizens when they grow up”, said mme Lebakeng, a child and youth care worker.
Parents were also encouraged to renew their forster care grant before the end of every two years.
There were many recreational sessions such as soccer, judo, cross country and netball. The Department of Social Development, together with ENGO, a Child and Youth Care Centre, hosted Youth Day celebrations today at ENGO in Willows, Bloemfontein.
