04 Apr 2019

Every child has a right to a safe childhood, free from abuse and it is important for parents to be vigilant about the welfare of children in the community and at schools for them to get good academic results.

This is according to 14-year-old Miss Teen International Botswana finalist and Kgaswe High School pupil, Yasmin Sithole.

Speaking in an interview during the donation of sanitary pads at Lotsane Senior Secondary School recently, Ms Sithole said child abuse could be in different forms such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

“There are children who are suffering in silence and hoping someone will notice their plight and be bold enough to intervene, and it is important for parents and teachers to be able to identify a child who is suffering from or at risk of abuse,” she said. 

She noted that there were occasions when some parents found it difficult to cope with many demands of caring for children, which may lead to neglect where the children may end up being absent from school for no apparent reason.

Ms Sithole said abuse could cause extreme behaviour patterns, and that a child could be aggressive or demanding leading to low self-esteem and poor peer relations.

She further noted that child abuse could have long term effects on a child’s health and development and may lead to children developing emotional, behavioural and educational problems.

She said all children needed acceptance, love, encouragement, consistency and positive attention from parents and guardians to do well academically.

Ms Sithole stated that she managed to raise funds to buy the sanitary pads with the help of her school mates and parents.

Lotsane Senior Secondary School Student Representative Council president, Ms Bakang Molatedi credited Ms Sithole for her bounteousness and for picking their school for her project.

Ms Molatedi wished Ms Sithole luck in her Miss Teen International Botswana final, which will be in Gaborone on April 27.

For her part, senior teacher for guidance and counselling, Ms Joyce Bashapi said the donation came at the right time because they had been facing a shortage of pads.

She promised to continue supporting Ms Sithole for her to emerge victorious in the pageant and for her dreams to come true. ENDS