Collaboration Vital for Child Protection

In South Africa, one in four children experiences some form of maltreatment during their childhood. This maltreatment can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect.

This year, for National Child Protection Week, we wanted to hear how the public can help protect society’s most vulnerable. We spoke to members of Valcare’s Child Protection coordinated effort to gain insight on the matter.

According to our members, the most significant concerns around child protection include unsafe spaces, poverty, neglect, bullying, child trafficking and abduction, and online and sexual exploitation.

Mariëtte Jacobs, managing director of Ezrah Community Training and Development and coordinator of the Drakenstein Child Protection Programme, says collaboration is key to advancing children’s safety in our country.

“Child protection an integrated approach. Not one organisation can do everything concerning child protection. Each organisation holds a vital puzzle piece, and together we can build best practices within our communities and beyond.”

Salomé Langmann, operational manager at Ma’s vir Wellington, echoes this statement.

“It takes a village to raise a child. Not every child or situation is the same. Not every form of child abuse, neglect, or family is the same. We need organisations to work together and share their expertise and resources to help children better.”

Watch below to see what other members of the Child Protection coordinated effort had to say about protecting children in our community.

Recent stories

Story of Hope: From Gang Leader to Inspiring Positive Change in Others

Story of Hope: From Gang Leader to Inspiring Positive Change in Others

Ex-gang member Kurt's story of hope inspires change in others through his transformation journey from using drugs to becoming a good role model.

SA20 franchise Paarl Royals partners with Valcare to support women in community

SA20 franchise Paarl Royals partners with Valcare to support women in community

Valcare and SA20 franchise Paarl Royals have joined efforts to empower marginalised women in the Paarl community.

Five Tips to Build A Network Within the Nonprofit Space

Five Tips to Build A Network Within the Nonprofit Space

Networks are an interconnection between people and organisations. Although diverse in focus and action, they collaborate and add value to those within the network. We could even compare a network ...

Proteas of the Valley 2022 Celebrated at Uplifting Event

Proteas of the Valley 2022 Celebrated at Uplifting Event

Each year during National Women’s Month Valcare honours and highlights 15 exceptional women in the Cape Winelands community. Through the Proteas of the Valley initiative Valcare gives recognition to the ...