Education, fun and games at inner city children’s party

07 December 2015

 

More than 200 children, mainly from Joubert Park in the Johannesburg inner city, had a time of their lives on Friday December 4 when they were treated to fun and games at a park by the City of Johannesburg and a number of non-governmental organisations.

 

The event, held under the theme “Best Life for Every Child: Island of Optimism”, was also aimed at raising awareness of HIV-AIDS and increasing safety consciousness among them. Jumping castles, marquees and gazebos were dotted around the park, with tables buckling under the weight of snacks and other delicious goodies.

A DJ spun the discs of local musicians to the children’s delight and enjoyment. Story-telling sessions formed part of the activities. Ward 59 Councillor Tjitjila Mashao said parks were public spaces where people should go to relax and where children should feel safe to play in and socialise with one another.

“But this is unfortunately no longer the case as vagrants use parks, especially Joubert Park, as their home. Other dodgy characters use parks outlets to sell drugs, targeting children as young as 12,” Mashao said.

The main problem, she said, was the lack of strict by-law enforcement.

“Although the park is locked at night for security reasons, many of the illicit activities now take place in broad daylight. These include drug dealing, robbery and theft. Vagrants do their washing in the park and terrorise residents who use it to relax or pass through,” she said.

All these activities are a threat to the safety of the community, particularly the children, Mashao said, adding that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) needed to rigorously enforce the City’s by-laws. The event was timed to coincide with the marking of the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse campaign, World Aids Day and International Children’s Day.

“We need to educate children about safety when they play in the park,” she said. “We must make them aware of the dangers of talking to strangers and/or accepting gifts from them as this can open them up for abuse, kidnapping and being exposed to drugs and alcohol. The children need to be vigilant when they play in the parks.”

She also appealed to parents and adults to keep a watchful eye on children.

“Children must know they are free to play in the park. Parents and adults must help to ensure they are safe at all times,” Mashao concluded.