The 25^th of November marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. As Save the Children South Africa , we are calling for a collective effort to make South Africa safe, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our society - the children.
 
Whether they’re living on the streets, in institutions, every child should grow up in a safe, supportive family environment. However this is not the case in the country as studies show that 1 in 4 children are victims of abuse, and the perpetrators are mainly the same people who should be protecting them.

“We should hang our heads in shame for the way we treat our children. Most of our children are physically abused by caregivers, educators or relatives and we have one of the highest cases of child neglect and abuse in the world. We are failing our children and at this rate, for most children it would be safer for them to be out in the world, alone, than to be in their homes,” says Save the Children South Africa CEO Gugu Ndebele.
 
As a country we need to invest in prevention programmes and as Save the Children we are already implementing such programmes. Our efforts include:

• Training children on identifying and reporting abuse
• Empowering educators and early childhood development practitioners on positive discipline in everyday teaching
• Teaching parents and caregivers on positive parenting approaching to raising children
• Advocating to ban corporal punishment at the home
• Increasing the demand for good quality child protection services

However non profit organisations like ours cannot stop the scourge of violence against children alone, we need everyone to get involved. For as little as R5 a day, we can create real safe spaces and change a child’s life forever.
 
Donate today at www.savethechildren.org.za/safer-out-there

For more information contact: Sibusiso Khasa, on 0734496871 or [email protected]
 
ENDS
For more information or to set up an interview contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or [email protected]
 
About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
 
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.
 
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