Qomintaba primary school in Shiselweni was transformed into a child protection awareness hub today as 293 learners participated in a structured Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response dialogue led by the National Association for the Treatment and Care of Children (NATICC), as part of ongoing Children’s Month activities.
The intervention brought together learners from Grades 0 to 7 in a carefully structured programme aimed at strengthening awareness of personal safety,
early reporting mechanisms, and respectful behaviour among children in both school and community environments. 
The sessions were divided according to age to ensure that messages were appropriate, practical, and easy for learners to understand and apply.
For Grades 0 to 3, facilitators focused on building foundational knowledge of body safety through the PANTS Rule, an internationally recognised child protection framework designed to help children understand personal boundaries and bodily autonomy.
Prevention Officer Ms Khulile Tsabedze led the session, reinforcing key messages that every child owns their body, that private parts must always be respected,
and that children have the right to say “no” in uncomfortable situations.
Learners were also taught that no one should ever ask them to keep secrets about their bodies, and that speaking out to a trusted adult is a key step in staying safe.
Facilitators emphasised that early exposure to such messages is critical in helping children recognise unsafe situations and respond appropriately before harm occurs.
For Grades 4 to 7, the dialogue shifted towards decision-making, peer pressure, bullying prevention, and respectful communication.
Prevention Officer Ms Vamsile Simelane guided learners through the 3 Cs model Challenge, Choice and Consequence, encouraging them to think critically about how their actions affect themselves and others.
A key focus of the discussion was bullying, including its different forms and the emotional, psychological,
and social impact it has on victims. Learners were encouraged to take responsibility for creating safer school environments by moving from passive bystanders to active upstanders who report and challenge harmful behaviour.
Respectful communication was also highlighted as an essential tool for building dignity, inclusion, and positive relationships within the school environment.
NATICC said the initiative reflects its continued commitment during Children’s Month to translate awareness into practical, community-based interventions that strengthen child protection systems at the grassroots level.
The organisation further reaffirmed that school-based dialogues remain one of its most effective tools in empowering children, building resilience, and contributing to safer learning spaces across Eswatini.
