“Let Us All Protect Children to Move South Africa Forward”
During this National Child Protection Week (CPW), SOS Children’s Villages South Africa (SOS SA) calls for continued and focused efforts to observe, protect and promote the rights of all children, as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005.
Children have a right to feel secure in their homes, environments, and places outside of their immediate environment. They need to move freely without fear of attack or abuse, and it is the responsibility of parents, duty bearers and the wider community to provide such safe environments. Children should have safe toys, resources and materials needed for their holistic development. They should receive effective protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
More than a year since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, children continue to grapple with unprecedented hardships. The global health crisis prompted lockdown efforts that raised the risk of violence, hunger, child labour, child marriage, and school dropouts. It also curtailed opportunities for children to engage in activities aimed at promoting their right to be heard.
The global statistics are definitive, the social and economic impact of the pandemic will last for many years to come, especially for those living in vulnerable circumstances. There are reports of climbing poverty rates and deepening inequality in education.
“Yet there is hope. It is possible to find opportunity in crisis, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for tomorrow’s adults. It starts with strengthening families so that children can grow up with stable relationships. In these difficult times, we must provide increased social protection services and direct support to struggling families so they can stay together. It is essential that we secure access to education for all children and youth and invest in reducing the digital divide. And we must not underestimate the mental health toll of the pandemic. Now more than ever, young people, especially those who have no one to fall back on, need psychological support, guidance and encouragement — from mental health professionals, caregivers, mentors and peers,” SOS Children’s Villages SA says.
SOS Children’s Villages is determined to be part of efforts to support children and young people at risk, to work towards a world that is safe for all children.
About SOS Children’s Villages South Africa
SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS has eight Children’s Villages and three Social Centres across eight provinces.
Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to more than 5 000 children across the country.
The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).
Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families to grow within a safe family environment, by building the family’s resilience. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.
