S. African President Zuma pledges education for underprivileged children

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday the government will not allow poverty to prevent children from receiving education.

South Africa is achieving the goal of ensuring that poverty does not prevent children from obtaining education, Zuma said on an event to celebrate Children's Day in Pretoria.

To achieve the goal further, nine million children who come from poor background will attend school free of charge as part of the government's "no-fee schools" policy for the poor, Zuma said.

In South Africa, the Children's Day this year coincides with the Child Protection Week Campaign.

To date, 11 million children in South Africa receive the "child support grant", which allows the children to continue their education, according to Zuma.

In addition, nine million children receive free meals at school, he added.

The government is doing well with regards to cushioning and supporting children in distress, Zuma said.

For children who are orphaned at an early age or are taken away from their parents due to abuse and other social problems, the South African government cares for them through the foster care program.

There are more than 470,000 children receiving foster care child grants from the government. They are cared for by more than 330,000 foster parents, according to Zuma.

Zuma also said the government was working hard to address the scourge of child abuse, neglect and exploitation of women and children.

Among its interventions is a 24-hour Gender Based Violence Command Center, which provides counselling and support services to survivors of abuse and violence.

"Our ultimate goal is for every child to live in a decent home, with all the basic necessities such as water, sanitation, good roads, clinics, schools and recreational facilities," Zuma said. Endit