Adopt-a-School Foundation addresses child safety in schools

 Through their holistic programmes, a large focus is placed on the safety and social well-being of school children

BOTSHABELO, South Africa, October 31, 2017/ -- “The recent atrocities of violence and sexual abuse cases in our schools has left our nation reeling. How are we to achieve our potential as a country, when our own children face sexual violation and abuse at school – the places where they are supposed to be protected and nurtured, by the people we have entrusted with their safety,” says Steven Lebere, Executive Director of Adopt-a-School Foundation (www.AdoptASchool.org.za).


“As Adopt-a-School Foundation, we strongly believe that these cases should be expediently dealt and that the maximum sentences be imposed for these heinous crimes. The government must continue to prioritise the provision of counselling support services to all the children affected as well as their peers and families. Educators and School Management must be supported to deal with the safety risks prevalent in schools and society at large.”

“Violence is endemic in our society. Through our work in schools with our partner entities, the Foundation has observed, and responded to, the increase in cases of abuse affecting our learners. The prevalence of this crime in schools is robbing our children of their youth, and the country of its future. The violation of children’s basic right to protection from abuse is a national crisis and must be stopped,” Lebere added.

One in every five sexual abuse cases that are reported in South Africa happen in schools (1). Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (CRF) (www.CyrilRamaphosaFoundation.org) , is actively responding to these social challenges by investing and contributing towards the development of South Africa’s rural and township schools. Through their holistic programmes, a large focus is placed on the safety and social well-being of school children.

In September this year, CRF launched the Thari programme for the support of women and children. The programme is aimed at providing psychosocial support services and safe spaces at schools for vulnerable children, youths and women. The programme aims to strengthen the systems in place for screening individuals who work with these children. The programme brings together multiple stakeholders in the community, in an effort to build awareness and education around abuse, ensuring that signs of abuse and trauma can be identified and addressed.

(1) Department of Women and Children and People with Disabilities and Unicef 2013 report

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

For more information on Adopt-a-School Foundation: visit www.AdoptASchool.org.za or email at info@AdoptASchool.co.za or call 011 592 6560.

About Adopt-A-School Foundation
Adopt-a-School Foundation (www.AdoptASchool.org.za) is a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and was officially established in 2002 by a group of concerned individuals, including Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr James Motlatsi. The Foundation is registered as a Section 21 company with PBO status and has an Independent Board of Directors.
The Foundation works with a wide range of stakeholders including; District, Provincial and National Department of Basic Education, corporate donors, various service providers and best practice NGOs. The Foundation implements Whole School Development – a holistic model aimed at improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.
There are currently 446 schools under the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s adoption programme. The Foundation works in all nine provinces in South Africa, and in 2012 started working in Lesotho.

About Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
Over the past 13 years Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (www.CyrilRamaphosaFoundation.org) has had a remarkable impact on the people and communities in which it works. Through dedication, collaboration and a commitment to creating positive change, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation continues to build on its previous achievements to create a cohesive and empowered society.

SOURCE
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation