SOWETO SATELLITE OFFICE

The Pfunanani project is another of Childline's Community awareness campaigns, counselling and preventative school talks in the community.

In 1999, an analysis of the Childline calls revealed that a substantial percentage of calls originated from Soweto. A further needs assessment revealed very few community services available for children.

Childline was exceptionally proud to open Childline Pfunanani Children's Centre at the Chris Hani/Baragwanath Hospital on 1st November 2000. This was done in conjunction with Pfunanani, SASPCAN and Chris Hani/Baragwanath Dept of Paediatrics. We have established a child-friendly office in a garden setting that is conducive to the healing of children.

Due to the limited number of child-orientated services offered in this community, our staff and volunteers, have been inundated with requests for service.

SAFE HOUSE PROJECT

A holistic programme has been implemented which include the  Sunlight Safe House Project. This ensures that we are able to meet the needs of abused children within our community office.

CHILD RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMME

• A total of 17 067 pupils were reached in the prevention school talks programme assisting in the identification, prevention and disclosure of abuse.

• Childline Pfunanani volunteers were trained in basic counselling techniques, life skills, all forms of child abuse and presentation skills. They assist in the implementation of the programme and are supervised on a weekly basis.

COUNSELLING

1 050 counselling sessions were offered. Some of the children that we serve were referred to the Child Protection Unit for protective services.

ACTIVITIES IN SOWETO

Partnerships

• Childline Pfunanani joined a partnership with The Teddy Bear Clinic and hosted a support group for 477 children and 383 parents of survivors of child sexual abuse who had to testify in court.

  Positive relationships have been established with all relevant stake holders within the community; the Department of Social Welfare and Population Development, Child Welfare, Kids Court Support, Nthabiseng Support Centre, Zamakuhle Clinic, Child Protection Unit, Lungelo, Nicro, SANCA, People Opposing Woman Abuse, Women Against Woman Abuse, Johannesburg Parent and Child Counselling Centre and Soweto Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Highlights during the past year

• End of year Christmas presents were donated by Rivonia Primary School for all clients

• End of year party hosted in conjunction with the Teddy Bear Clinic for 70 parents and children

• During Child Protection Week 500 children marched from Dobsonville Police Station to the Stadium to raise awareness of the plight of abused children. This was done in conjunction with the Department of Social Development and all the Soweto stakeholders

• 6 Schools were targeted for the Child Protection Week programme, reaching a total of 3757 young people with the message of peace and non-violence for children. This activity was undertaken in conjunction with all the Soweto stakeholders

• 87 Schoolteachers were trained in child abuse detection and management skills.

• 57 Community members were trained in child abuse management skills.