The Salvation Army Western Cape Division hosted a three-day workshop focusing on child protection, Protective Behaviours, gender-based violence, and human trafficking. The workshop was conducted in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Social Development and brought together community champions from the Kannaland Municipality, namely Zoar, Calitzdorp, Van Wyksdorp, and Ladismith.
The programme was facilitated by Major Carin Holmes (Divisional Commander), Major Magdeline Mugama (Administrator – Carehaven), Captain Phumla Mashaba (Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries), and Major Heather Rossouw (Divisional Disaster Relief Coordinator). Over the three-day period, the facilitators provided training and capacity building to 16 community champions, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills to address key social challenges within their respective communities.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
• Strengthen community capacity to identify, prevent, and respond to child protection concerns.
• Equip community champions with practical knowledge on Protective Behaviours.
• Raise awareness and improve understanding of gender-based violence and human trafficking within local communities.
• Foster collaboration between community structures, faith-based organisations, and the Western Cape Department of Social Development.
• Empower local champions to become advocates for change and agents of awareness in their communities.
The following outcomes were achieved:
• Sixteen community champions were trained and equipped with relevant knowledge and tools to address child protection and related social issues.
• Increased awareness and understanding of gender-based violence and human trafficking among participants.
• Strengthened networks between The Salvation Army, government partners, and community-based organisations within the Kannaland Municipality.
• Successful implementation of a community awareness campaign in Ladismith, with champions actively engaging community members and sharing key messages.
• Reinforced commitment from Engedi and Youth for Change to continue advocacy, awareness-raising, and community engagement initiatives addressing social ills.
The workshop strengthened local capacity and empowered community champions to play an active role in addressing critical social challenges. Through continued collaboration and community engagement, the impact of this training is expected to contribute to safer and more informed communities across the Kannaland Municipality.
