SPARK Soweto scholars embark on a silent march for child and women protection. SPARK Soweto recently held a silent march to raise awareness in their community about the ongoing violent challenges that women and children are facing. “Violence against women and children is a major issue and the tragedy of Gender Based Violence (GBV) is incredibly damaging to the most susceptible members of our society. Children are particularly vulnerable, and it is imperative that they are protected in our schools, homes, and communities,” says Nomalungelo Machele assistant principal at SPARK Soweto.

Concerningly, 40% of young people have at some point in their lives experienced some type of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect, according to a study on the effects of child maltreatment in South Africa. Machele says, “gender-based and domestic violence has traumatic effects, as well as behavioural and physical consequences on children’s academic and social performance. It is our duty as a school and community to instil the change we want to see. SPARK Soweto is more than a school; it is a school in our community that serves to raise role models that lead with a positive impact and serve as advocates of change.”

One of our first core values that we teach our scholars at SPARK Schools, is that they are active citizens in their classrooms, communities, and country. They dedicate time and effort to serving those in need and approach challenges with a team mindset. With that said, our protest against gender-based violence must be known and mostly felt by the relevant party to restore change and positive order in our community.