The commemoration of June 16, 1976

Nobulawu Sitshaluza

There were representatives from Siphulile Clinic, the police station and also Westville clinic. The important message was made clear to mostly educated kids about the importance of children rights, and places of safety for children. The event was an excellent idea because they were asking the importance of June 16 1976.

The representative from Siphulile clinic Mrs Morwesi talked about the importance of young girls and boys to take care of themselves since some of them are coming out of age. Therefore if they have questions that they are afraid to ask their parents or guardians they can come to the clinic for assistance. The representative from the police station spoke about the fact that if a child feels unsafe or is experiencing some sort of abuse they can come to the police station and report the issue. The police station has social worker ls in the facility to help.

The Westville clinic informed the children that they must never abuse any form of substance. Their families if one family member is doing drugs they can tell them about the Westville clinic where they will find rehab.

The event went well the school and Orphan and Vulnerable children (OVC) organization worked well together in also informing the children why June 16 1976 is important. The school children performed a poem about June 16 1976 and some children had posters talking about children’s rights and responsibilities.

The children learned about their history and why the Soweto school children felt it is important to stand up for themselves against the
apartheid regime in learning everything in Afrikaans.