DELMAS – Children at Explorare Deum Homeschool Learning Space in Delmas marked National Child Protection Week with lessons on safety, community helpers and the role of emergency service personnel in protecting children.
National Child Protection Week was observed from 29 May to 05 June 2026 under the theme "Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children."
Explorare Deum, a homeschool learning space that supports Foundation Phase homeschooling families through a structured learning environment with tutor support, social interaction, friendship-building and enrichment activities, hosted a series of interactive activities aimed at teaching learners about child safety in an age-appropriate manner.
The learning space welcomed members of SAPS Delmas, who taught children about police work and public safety. Learners were introduced to the responsibilities of police officers and given a hands-on opportunity to explore equipment used by law enforcement.
Highlights of the visit included children trying on a 12kg bulletproof vest, examining handcuffs, learning about fingerprint identification and understanding how to identify a police officer. The children also sat inside a police vehicle and experienced its sirens. SAPS Delmas provided each child with a gift packet following the visit.
Representatives from Maximum Security also visited the learning space to share child safety information. Children were taught practical safety measures, including avoiding conversations with strangers, refusing sweets or gifts from strangers and protecting their personal information.
The security representatives also explained what children should do during emergencies and encouraged them to seek assistance from trusted adults when they feel unsafe. Learners received lucky packets from the security company as part of the visit.
Throughout the week, children participated in arts and crafts, educational discussions, dress-up sessions, and learned rhymes and songs related to emergency services. The activities reinforced safety messages while making learning enjoyable.
Founder of Explorare Deum, Tjar-Lize Klopper, said Child Protection Week provided an opportunity to equip children with practical safety knowledge from an early age.
"Our goal was to help children understand that there are people in our community whose job it is to protect and help them. By meeting police officers and security professionals in a friendly and interactive environment, the children were able to learn important safety lessons while building confidence and trust in those who serve our community," said Klopper.
She added that safety education is most effective when presented in a way children can understand and enjoy.
"Children learn best through hands-on experiences, play and meaningful interactions. We wanted them to leave the week not only with happy memories, but also with practical knowledge that could help keep them safe in everyday situations," she said.
Klopper said the week highlighted the importance of collaboration between families, community organisations, law enforcement and security services in creating safe environments where children can learn and thrive.
