Pre-School march for Child Protection Week

As part of marking Child Protection Week in South Africa, the Lebone Centre in Currie Street organised a march for pre-schools in the area on Thursday the 1st of June.

About 250 children and their teachers gathered together and it was quite an incredible sight to see all these young children waving placards with statements such as: “My body belongs to me”, “Let me live my life”, “I have the right to feel safe” and “Say no to child abuse”, in three different languages. There were children from Sun City PrePrimary, The Little Red Dragon Preschool, Heidi Pre-Primary, Little Stars of Hope, Jack and Jill, Stepping Stones, Rainbow Kidz and Cozy Nest.

In addition there were also DA ward councillors present. The march started at the Lebone Centre in Currie Street, and proceeded up Albany Road to The Oval sports fields. Most of the children were dressed in the colours of their preschool, and the bright array of orange, red and turquoise T-shirts drew a lot of attention along the way. As they walked, the children also sang the song, “My body belongs to me” in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

At a time when children worldwide are experiencing so many forms of hardship and abuse, this provided an opportunity for young children to make their voices heard. It is vital that children are made aware of their rights in order for them to be able to speak out.

This was the second time that such a march has taken place. It has grown fourfold, from about 50 participants last year to over 250 this year. The hope is that it will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.

• Amy Webster