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The Salvation Army rebukes child labour

09 June 2011  I  For immediate release

The Salvation Army is stepping up its efforts against child labour and invites the public to do the same to fight the extensive violation of children’s rights around the world. “Many children are forced into labour preventing them from getting education, health care and basic freedom,” said Major Marieke Venter, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries and its Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team.

Major Venter urges South Africans to honour The World Day Against Child Labour (12 June 2011) by giving varied support to organisations, civil society and institutions, such as The Salvation Army, that fight against child labour and trafficking.

“Neglecting our responsibility would have dramatic consequences for the children and society as a whole. That is why we strive to reduce every influence in their lives that could have a negative impact on their development,” she said.

“Children are exploited and exposed to some of the most dangerous and unlawful forms of labour such as mining, drug trafficking and prostitution.

“It has become part of our work to make people aware of the terrible nature and consequences of child labour and human trafficking, particularly in the areas in which we operate and to give people the opportunity to help in eradicating these practices.”

To assist in the fight against child labour, people with tip-offs on all suspected child labour cases can report them to The Salvation Army’s 24-hour toll free hotline number 08000 RESCU (08-000-73728) sponsored by Be Heard™.

With an outreach that brings happiness to hundreds of children in its care, The Salvation Army is among the many organisations dedicated to changing the unfortunate reality of children involved in child labour.

Major Venter also said that while every child’s story deserves a great beginning and a happy ending, thousands of children experience neither. Consequently the institution is dedicated to addressing the underlying issues rooted in poverty, unemployment, gender inequality and inadequate education.

Thanks to The Salvation Army homes around South Africa, many young South Africans are a step closer to a happy ending of their own. The homes provide them with a secure environment and access to school and medical services.

The range of services provided by The Salvation Army for children in South Africa are:

• Day Care Centres for pre-school children:

o Central: Benoni, Eldorado Park, Galeshewe, Katlehong, Lethlabile, Manguang

o Mpumalanga/Swaziland: Barberton, Pienaar

o Mid KwaZulu/Natal: Hamarsdale, Imbali, KwaMashu, Umlazi

o Northern Kwa Zulu/Natal: Ulundi

o Western Cape: Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plein, Manenburg

• Creches:

o Bridgman Creche (accommodates 140 children)

o Carl Sithole Creche (accommodates 40 children)

• Children’s Homes:

o Bethany – accommodates 110 children from 9 to 18 years old;

o Bethesda – accommodates 32 children from 2 to 6 years old;

o Ethembeni (Place of Hope) – accommodates 60 children from birth to 3 years old;

o Firlands – accommodates 60 children from 3 to 18 years old;

o Joseph Baynes House – accommodates 72 children from birth to 18 years old;

o Strathyre – accommodates 50 children from 3 to 18 years old;

In addition to the homes, The Salvation Army has feeding schemes, community programme , kids clubs and centre for abused women, offers protection to the victims of human trafficking and abuse, and fights for the lawful prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes.


 

The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.

ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Media Contact: Ulwazi Mgwadleka
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 083-998-8380
E-mail: click here to email Ulwazi Mgwadleka
Client Contact: Major Marieke Venter
Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries
Coordinator: Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team
Tel: 011 435 0267,
E-mail: click here to email Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries
Client Contact: Captain Piet Semeno
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
E-mail: click here to email Captain Piet Semeno