District joins fight against women Gender-based violence
4 December 2019
Metro North Education District launched its 16 days of activism against Gender-based violence programme on 2 December 2019. The campaign was launched at the District’s commemoration of World Aids Day.
District Director David Millar said, “Fellow South Africans are dying of HIV/AIDS related diseases. However, we cannot also die of ignorance. HIV/AIDS is not someone else's problem. It is every South African's problem.”
The programme included the lighting of candles, the planting of flowers and the signing of pledges in commitment to work in co-operation with the law enforcement and other organisations in the fight against gender-based violence.
Head of the Inclusive and Specialised Support, Carola Petersen said that the lighting of candles, the pledges and the planting of flowers also symbolized the hope that, “even if we are living within the scourge of violence against women and children, and the Aids pandemic, we remain hopeful.”
Commenting on the event, Debbie Schäfer, Western Cape Education Minister, said that the Western Cape Education Department is fully committed to the objectives of World AIDS Day and the event at Metro North Education District today reflects this commitment.
"The aim of the day is to express solidarity with those with HIV and AIDS and to join millions of people worldwide in the fight against HIV. We also commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related diseases. While commemorating this day, we are also committed to the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS every day. Our role is education and support, through special programmes for learners in schools across the province, and our employee wellness programme for our teachers and officials,” she said.
"We urge all young people to take this education on board, and seek support if they need to. Our Safe Schools Call Centre provides advice on HIV and AIDS, on 0800 45 46 47. Our employees can contact our Employee Wellness Programme."
