Quthing, June 16 — The District Football Association (DIFA) sports ground at Alwayn’skop on Tuesday this week came alive as Quthing commemorated both World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Day of the African Child in a vibrant joint event.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15 under the theme ‘FoodSafety and Elder Wellbeing’, and the Day of the African Child, marked on June 16 with the theme ‘Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Every Child’, were celebrated together to highlight the rights and protection of both children and the elderly.
The event featured lively performances, with elderly participants dancing to songs of their generation, while children showcased their own age-inspired dances.
Speaking at the same event, District Child Welfare Officer Benedict Ramakau explained that the two commemorations were merged because their themes overlap.
He emphasized that both children and the elderly are vulnerable to abuse due to their age and must be included in decision-making processes that affect them.
He further said children have a right to good names and called on parents to stop giving bad names to children.
Inspector Morongoe Makaliana of the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) highlighted common forms of abuse faced by the elderly, including verbal insults, physical harm, economic exploitation through mobile money scams, and neglect of children by their parents who avoid supporting their children. She urged victims to report abuse for legal protection.
Advocate Tsotang Maile, Senior Prosecutor, reminded attendees that the prosecution office enforces the law to protect public safety. He encouraged witnesses to speak out in cases of abuse for legal protection against perpetrators.
Elderly participants expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared practical advice. One of them Mr. Ts’eliso Nkhooa urged seniors to avoid using birth dates as mobile money pin codes to prevent theft.
Mrs. ‘Makhauta Ramollo reflected on traditional naming practices, noting how names once carried the family’s struggles and hopes.
Children also appreciated the event, saying they learned lessons of love, teamwork, and respect from their elders. Attendants at the event were from different villages that include Ha-Mosuoe, Masakaneng Masetise, and Always’skop.
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