The Frances Baard district commemorated International Day for Families on Friday, 19 May 2017, at one of the Departmental CME -(Commnity Mobilisation & Empowerment) sites, in Stilwater, which was launched in September 2016.
MEC Gift van Staden delivered the Keynote Address. He highlighted the importance of the family unit within communities and why there is a need for a International Day for Families, urging parents to know at all times where their children are and men to say no to all violence against children and women, as they need to be the protectors of the vulnerable.
MEC van Staden elaborated on the theme: Families, Education & Well-Being. He said that children need to grow up in a stable and safe environment, where their total well-being are promoted. He also highlighted the basket of services that are offered to communities, not only by the Department, but also by the Non-Profit Organisations.
He also referred to the challenges identified though the dialogues held as a build-up to International Day for Families. , such as poverty, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, and the so-callled drug houses which leads to an array of social ills in the community. The lack of recreational facilities, health services and services to the elderly were also highlighted. According to MEC van Staden these problems not only impact on the socio-econmomic functinoing of the community, but also on thier emotional well-being, which cause a lack of motivation to address these problems.
“The first step to becoming a "Better World Family" is to decide become one. It will be an ongoing learning experience with lots of mistakes. You'll need all of the tools you've learned as peace builders. You might decide to set a regular time to discuss and work out family problems and issues.”
MEC van Staden highlighted Departmental Family Preservation and therapeutic services.
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference, They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”
“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.”
Other speeches included:
Ms. A. Jafta, Social Worker from Department of Health, who elaborated on services at the ZK Mathews Hospital in Barkley West, urging parents to visit the hospital when they suspect that the development of their children are not on par, so that they can be referred to the relevant therapist. (The Nutritionist, who unfortunately fell ill, will visit the Stilwater community at a later stage to educate them on the importance of a balanced diet.)
MsJoy Efunga, ECD Supervisor, briefed those present on the state of Early Childhood Development services in Stilwater and highlighted the importance of ECD to the partents.
Mr lionel Smith, Community Development Practioner: Barkley West area, briefed the community on Departmental services, in terms of Sustainable development especially the CME and War on Poverty campaigns.
Feedback by the community, on the dialogues held on 16 May 2017 was facilitated by Mr. Archie Xhamela, Social Auxiliary Worker: Barkley West area. Ms. Y Mabote shared the youth perspective, while Ms. N. Ndwendwe shared the adult perspective.
Councillor Saul welcomed all to Stilwater before Pastor Hermanus did the scripture reading from John 13:34
Ms. Christine Titus, Social Worker: Barkly-West, explained the purpose of the event. Frances Baard District Manager, Mr. Lebogang Abrams, was the Programme Manager and the Digatlong Mayor, Ms. Mbizeni, did the Vote of Thanks. The St. Amos Choir provided the entertainment.
By Nelmarie van Wyk
