South Africa: Girl Child in School

An awareness programme were held to commemorate Child Protection Week: 27-31 May 2019. The Mossel Bay Municipality in collaboration with the following stakeholders visited the following schools as identified at the planning meeting:Department of Social Development, Child Welfare, Great Brak River, Department of Education, South African Police Services, Kwanonqaba (SAPS), Heart-to-Heart, Community Development Workers. The focus of the programme were choices and the target group were Grade 6 learners.Other challengesThat were tackled in the videos were positive role models, peer pressure, cyber bullying and bulling at school. The objective of the programme was to address negative behaviour and abuse within the school environment and to shape the future leaders.Key Actions    Activities - interactive session with girls - video displaying challenges they experience on a daily base by girls aged 10-12 years old.Strength base approach - focus on choice, especially positive choice and role modelingFocused on positive role models, peer pressure, cyber bullying and bulling at school.PartnersDepartment of Social Development (provincial GOVERNMENT)Child Welfare, Great Brak River (NGO)Department of Education (national government)South African Police Services, Kwanonqaba (SAPS)Heart-to-Heart (NGO)Community Development Workers. (Local Government)All above-mentioned organisation forms part of a Child Care Protection Forum that meets at on a monthly base.A programme/project are identified by the members, based on their experience in the community and I am the responsible for the logically arrangements and allocate the role of each stakeholder.ChallengesLack of financial support for national and provincial government. No commitment from Local Department of Social Development office.Immediate results and next stepsAwareness has been raised. More gender based programs needs to be held. More research into awareness, especially gender based projects/programmes.