Mustadafin Foundation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up feeling safe, supported and valued. By creating trusted spaces, promoting awareness and empowering children to speak up, the organisation helps young people build brighter futures filled with hope and possibility.
As South Africa recently marked Child Protection Week, the Mustadafin Foundation used the opportunity to remind young people that they are valuable, worthy of protection, and never alone.
Twenty children between the ages of six and 17 attended a special child protection session at the Mustadafin Foundation Tafelsig Learning Centre. Facilitated by Mustadafin director Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, the session focused on personal safety, healthy boundaries, self-worth, and empowering children to speak up when something does not feel right.
For many vulnerable children, safety and protection are not always guaranteed. Child Protection Week serves as an important reminder that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard, and grow up in an environment where they can thrive.
“Many of the children we work with have experienced challenges that no child should have to face,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, director of the Mustadafin Foundation. “Our role is to remind them that their circumstances do not define them. Every child deserves to know they are seen, valued, and worthy of a bright future. Sometimes all it takes is one trusted adult to change the course of a child’s life.”
During the session, children were taught the simple but powerful “No, Go, Tell” rule. They were encouraged to say no if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, remove themselves from unsafe situations, and tell a trusted adult until they receive help.
The Foundation also emphasised that protecting children extends beyond awareness campaigns and commemorative weeks. It requires active involvement from families, neighbours, educators, faith-based organisations, and communities.
Children experiencing abuse or neglect often show warning signs. These may include unexplained injuries, sudden behavioural changes, withdrawal, anxiety, fear of certain adults, declining school performance, poor hygiene, or signs of neglect. Recognising these indicators and responding appropriately can make a significant difference in a child’s life.
“If every person helped their neighbour, who would need help?” says Johnstone-Cassiem. “Protecting children cannot be left to social workers, teachers, or law enforcement alone. We all have a responsibility to be the eyes and ears of our communities. We need to listen when children speak, take concerns seriously, and create environments where children feel safe enough to ask for help.”
Mustadafin Foundation follows a formal Child Protection Policy aligned with the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Staff are trained to respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse or neglect, ensuring children receive professional support and that cases are reported through the correct legal channels.
The Foundation encourages community members to report suspected abuse and to keep important support resources readily available. Childline South Africa can be contacted on 0800 055 555, while Mustadafin’s Social Welfare Department can be reached on 021 633 0010.
Child Protection Week may only last seven days, but the responsibility to protect children lasts throughout the year. By working together, communities can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about the future.
For more information about Mustadafin Foundation, call 021 633 0010 or visit mustadafin.org.za.
“If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help?”