BPS donates to Masiela Trust Fund

Dinah Marathe of the Bureau of Police Services (BPS) donated P100,000 to the Mashela Trust Fund (MTF). Director Marathe, who participated in the MTF walk as the chief walker, said children are fragile beings that need the protection and kindness of adults to grow into a healthy generation.

The Commissioner said BPS is committed to achieving the second pillar of Vision 2036, human and social development, which calls for a safe and enabling environment for children so they can reach their full potential.

Marat stressed that the BPS has prioritized cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and has established a Gender and Child Protection Unit (GCPB). In addition, Police Child Friendly Centres have been established to effectively respond, handle, investigate and prosecute perpetrators of GBV-related issues. She said the move is in line with global commitments to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Commissioner stressed that the most common crimes affecting children include drug abuse, cyber crime and defilement, saying the perpetrators are both relatives and strangers.

Marat called for a collective approach to addressing child welfare and protection issues. In addition, she pledged that BPS will continue to make meaningful investments in community partnerships, collaborate on issues affecting children and build external capacity.

The Commissioner said she is confident that the donation will go a long way in helping the organization in fulfilling its mission. The Commissioner advocated for the establishment of a one-stop shop to bring all child-related services under one roof for efficient service delivery. In doing so, the Commissioner promised that the BPS will focus on the relevance of the Commission for Children’s Rights.

Ms. Magogodi Dabutha, Director of Machera Trust, appreciated the unwavering support of BPS in upholding the rights of children.

She said that MTF was established in 2001 with the mission of providing care and support to vulnerable children including orphans. The Director thanked BPS for its generosity in donating to her organization.

The theme for this year’s event is “Breaking the Mental Health Stigma”.