THOHOYANDOU – "Children must report any form of abuse they face either home or outside." These were the words of police spokesperson, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, during the celebration of national Youth Day by the Girl Guides South Africa Far North branch, held at the Thohoyandou Showgrounds last Saturday.

Mushavhanamadi, who was one of he guest speakers, said children, and more especially girls, should not accept lifts from a person they do not know and especially without the knowledge of their parents, as it might lead to rape.

He also said children should not walk alone, more specifically in isolated places like near bush. He said they should also not take a long journey alone and they should avoid walking around during the night.

Dr Thina Ngobeli said whatever the youth chose to do to succeed in life, they should do their best. She encouraged children to have big dreams and think for themselves. "Do not underestimate yourself. Without a dream, you can end up being frustrated and sometimes fall pregnant. Do not aim for the least better things in life," said Ngobeli.

Ngobeni said children must be introduced to various professions that they can follow. "If you are nothing, you can do nothing good in life. You must unleash your potential. Our daughters must also stop about taking marriage as their careers and start taking education as their first marriage."

Young boys and girls attended the function, which was dubbed "Self Management for Youth," from areas such Shayandima, Maungani, Tshakhuma, Thohoyandou Blocks F, M and J and the Thohoyandou Children's Home.