Issued by: Department of Social Development
24 May, 2002.
The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya will together with representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's) launch the Child Protection on the Monday 27th May 2002 (at12:30), by holding a dialogue with over two hundred children affected by poverty and HIV/ AIDS and disability, at the HSRC Building, in Pretoria.
"This dialogue is the first of its kind aimed at ensuring that we allow children to raise their concerns regarding their plight and also brief them about the government, civil society and the United Nations efforts to improve their conditions." Said the Minister.
Child Protection Week is scheduled from the 27th May - 2nd June 2002 and Many events have been organised throughout the country including:
1) Minister Skweyiya's Launch of the Child Protection Week through a dialogue with children affected by poverty, disability and HIV/ AIDS 27th May 2002 in Pretoria, HSRC Building
2) Minister Skweyiya's Visit to the Dube Home of Safety Abused children in Soweto - 30th May 2002
3) Ministers Zola Skweyiya and Kader Asmal open National Conference on AIDS and the Education Sector at Gallagher Estate, 19:00 30th May 2002
4) Launch of a Neighbourhood Watch Northern Cape 31st May 2002
5) Children's March from the HSRC to the Union Building in Pretoria organised by the One Million Youth Movement Against AIDS. 1st June 2002
6) President Thabo Mbeki and Minister Skweyiya Visit Communities and Children in Mogale City to launch the Child Registration Campaign and mark International Day of Children 1st June 2002
7) Minister Skweyiya Opens a four - day Conference organised by Mandela Children's Fund, UNICEF and the Department of Social Development on Co-ordination of Services for Children affected by HIV/AIDS.
2nd June 2002 at Eskom Conference Centre, Midrand.
The theme for the Child Protection Week is : "Child Protection is Everybody's Business."
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
Cell : 082 904 3395