Women’s Deputy Minister: Parents must educate their children to minimize chances of committing crime! Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has called on parents to prioritize education for their children as a way to reduce crime and violence.
Speaking at the Men’s Parliament event held at the Parow Municipality Chambers on Friday, Letsike emphasized the critical role of parents in shaping responsible citizens.
The Men’s Parliament Initiative
The Men’s Parliament, established in 2018, provides a platform for men to discuss and address the challenges they face in their daily lives. It also focuses on solutions that contribute to building safer and more inclusive communities.
Parents must educate their children
Addressing the gathering, Letsike highlighted the importance of parental involvement in molding children’s values, skills, and attitudes. “Parents have the responsibility to ensure their children don’t turn out to be criminals and abusers,” she stated.
Empowering the Next Generation
Letsike urged parents to actively engage in their children’s lives by providing them with opportunities for education and skill development. She stressed that empowering young people through education not only reduces the likelihood of criminal behavior but also equips them to become responsible members of society.
“Our children need to be equipped with tools that enable them to become better men and citizens. This begins at home with parents taking an active role in their development,” she said.
The Deputy Minister also noted that modern parenting requires adaptability, as societal dynamics are constantly evolving.
The Role of Parental Skills
Highlighting the need for continuous self-improvement among parents, Letsike called for a focus on building effective parental skills. “We live in an inter-mixed generation, and we need to educate ourselves as parents. How do we empower ourselves, communicate better, and raise awareness about the importance of guiding our children?” she asked.
By fostering better communication and understanding between parents and children, families can create supportive environments that discourage negative behaviors.
Government Collaboration with Civil Society
To support families and communities, the government is partnering with development-based civil society organizations. These partnerships aim to provide resources and programs that help parents raise children who are well-prepared to contribute positively to society.
“The government is working closely with various organizations to provide support and guidance to communities. Together, we can raise better citizens and create a safer environment for all,” Letsike explained.
Tackling the Root Causes of Crime
The Deputy Minister linked the prevalence of crime and violence in society to gaps in education and parental involvement. She stressed that creating opportunities for children to learn and grow is essential to breaking cycles of poverty and criminality.
“Education is the foundation for building a society where individuals are empowered to make better choices. By investing in education, we reduce the chances of our children turning to crime or violence,” she noted.
Building Stronger Families and Communities
Letsike’s speech also touched on the importance of unity and collective responsibility in addressing societal challenges. She urged parents, communities, and organizations to work together to create environments where children feel supported and valued.
“Raising responsible citizens is not just the task of parents; it is a collective effort. Schools, communities, and organizations must all play a role in guiding our young people toward positive futures,” she said.
The Men’s Parliament’s Broader Objectives
The Men’s Parliament event aligns with the broader goals of fostering dialogue and encouraging accountability among men in society. By addressing issues such as gender-based violence, substance abuse, and unemployment, the initiative seeks to create a foundation for lasting social change.
A Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Letsike reiterated the need for parents to take their roles seriously and to equip themselves with the skills necessary for modern parenting. She emphasized that by empowering their children, parents contribute to the broader goal of building a safer and more prosperous society.
“Our children are the future, and we must invest in them today to ensure a better tomorrow. Let us commit to being present, proactive, and purposeful in their lives,” she concluded.
Through initiatives like the Men’s Parliament and collaborations with civil society, the government aims to address the root causes of crime and violence while promoting education and empowerment as key solutions.
The post Women’s Deputy Minister: Parents must educate their children to minimize chances of committing crime appeared first on News365.co.za.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions