Earlier you saw and heard from primary school children who marched through the streets of the city in an anti-crime rally. And while the kids from the upper divisions marched, their younger schoolmates stood on the sidelines cheering. We've already heard what the older kids know about crime, but what do the young children think? Well, we know that they're raised in a world of inverted values, where criminals, blue and white collared, are revered by their clans for their ruthlessness, and celebrated for their notoriety. But how much of that madness do these young ones take in? Plenty! We found out that "generation next" has a whole lot on its mind.
[Children Chanting: S-T-O-P Domestic Violence]
They certainly know the chants - "Stop Domestic Violence" but do these - most of them in standard three or lower know the true face of violence?
Student #1 My neighbor burnt down my house when I lived in Maxboro.
Student #2: Sometimes it happens around my house, like fires and so, like killings and so.
Student #3: I saw violence when I was walking with my mom, a boy and a man popped out and killed the man right in front of our faces.
But more than just witnesses to violence - these standard three students from Grace Primary and St. Ignatius Primary Schools who stood on the sidelines of this morning's primary school anti-crime protest - say they live it and at their tender ages - they are already living in fear.
Jules Vasquez,
Are you all afraid that something violent or criminal is going to happen to you all?
Students: Yes.
Student #4: I am afraid of going to bed because I wouldn't want anyone to kill anyone else because I am afraid of dying.
Student #5: I am afraid of thieves.
Student #6: I am afraid of someone coming into my house and thieving me in there.
Student #7: I am afraid of people coming into my house and trying to kill my parents. I am always afraid of gunshots and stuff and my mom tells me not to go out in the night because they might rob me or shoot me or anything.
These children also live in fear that they will be the victims of violence.
Jules Vasquez: You all think a crime could happen to you?
Students: Yes.
Student #8: That one day you are walking on the street and someone just comes on a bike and grabs you away or shot you.
Student #9: My mother told me that if someone gives you money and you start to like that person that gives you money, then that person that gives you the money can take you somewhere and rape you.
Student #10: Sometimes some of our relatives will do something bad and you never know if they would want to kill you for your relatives.
Student #11: Sometimes they just want to have sex or rape somebody and then go on to a next victim.
And who they look to for safety?
Student #12: Your parents and guardians are supposed to protect you and make sure that nothing happens to you.
