Child Protection is Everyone’s Business

In support of Child Protection Week, The Lesedi Solar Park Trust joined forces with community stakeholders to host a collaborative outreach event at the Postdene local clinic. The event focused on empowering parents with information about available services and encouraging active involvement in their children’s health and development.

Representatives in attendance included ACVV, Therapist on Wheels, Legal Aid South Africa, The Department of Health, Nal’ibali, SmartStart, local ECD centres, and The Lesedi Solar Park Trust.

The event was held on a Tuesday, coinciding with the designated day for children’s health services at local clinics. Parents had the opportunity to hear directly from service providers about support available, from health and legal assistance to early learning resources.

A key focus was encouraging parents to use health services, including regular immunisations. A dietician from Postmasburg Hospital guided parents through the Road to Health book, explaining each section and using a simple robot-light analogy to demonstrate the growth chart and healthy child development. She reminded parents:

“Dis belangrik om te weet wat gaan in jou kind se boek aan. Die boek is nie net vir hulle nie, dis vir ouers ook. Dis belangrik om te weet wat met jou kind se gewig en gesondheid aan.”

(It’s important to know what’s in your child’s health book. It’s not just for them, it’s for parents too. Knowing what’s happening with your child’s weight and health matters.)

Sr. Phetlane, a local healthcare worker at Postdene, spoke about the clinic’s role in building a healthier nation, stressing the importance of regular check-ups and preventive care.

Lebo Danster from Nal’ibali highlighted the growing involvement of fathers, noting:

“It’s encouraging to see fathers bringing their children to the clinic. This shows real commitment to their children’s wellbeing.”

Local ECD centres brought children for immunisations, making full use of the day’s services. To create a welcoming environment, Nal’ibali and Therapist on Wheels served warm soup and bread to attendees.

Events like this demonstrate the impact of local organisations working together with a shared purpose: to protect, uplift, and care for children. The Lesedi Solar Park Trust is proud to be part of this initiative and remains committed to supporting community-driven efforts that place children’s health and wellbeing first.