USAID MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR SAFER SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS

USAID/South Africa has been supporting safer schools in Gauteng and Mpumalanga through Tiisa Thuto since 2003.  Our key partner, Business Against Crime (BAC), and USAID consider this program a phenomenal success within a short period of time. 

BAC reports a huge reduction of criminal activities at those schools where the program was implemented.  Crime was not reduced at schools without the Tiisa Thuto safer schools program.  Based on the vast successes experienced in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, USAID is glad to support the program’s introduction in the Free State and Kwa-Zulu-Natal. 

The American people support South Africa’s efforts through USAID to make schools safe.  Children need learning facilities that are safe and secure. 

The rate of violent crime in South Africa is alarmingly high and poses a serious danger to this young democracy. Crime deters international investment and threatens the economic growth needed so urgently for creating and sustaining jobs.   

The American people are firmly behind South African-led efforts to fight threats to your country’s stability, especially crime and AIDS.  We work with several partners to help your Government respond to its citizens’ needs, expectations and rights by preventing crime and giving victims of crime greater access to equitable justice.  President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief enables USAID to work closely with South Africa’s Government, private sector and other groups to stem the HIV crisis and help implement South Africa’s own AIDS plan.

All South Africans have a role to play in addressing crime. Government, business and citizens need to unite our resources to show criminals that South Africa will enforce its laws and won’t tolerate the callous crime wave that hurts and kills mothers, fathers and even children.  Schools must be made safer so children can study their education in a secure environment.  Safety and security lead to stability. 

We are encouraged that citizens are indeed responding creatively. From teachers who are helping to inculcate a human rights culture in schools, to community groups that are forming partnerships with local police for crime prevention, there are increasing examples of effective partnerships between citizens and Government to combat this common threat.  

USAID is very pleased to be associated with the Safer Schools program and we commend Harmony and the Provincial Government of the Free State’s participation as well.  These tripartite relationships between Private Sector/Government and Foreign Donors will help the Safer Schools program to be sustainable.

USAID’s ultimate aim is to benefit South Africa’s children and families who are building tomorrow.  Let their fears and nightmares of crime be in the past and their futures bright and peaceful.