THERE has been a call for parents and teachers to be more vigilant when it comes to the safety of children whether it be on land or in the water.
Education Minister Filipe Bole sounded the warning after students lives were lost through road accidents, in the sea, rivers and flooded drains through drowning, and home fires.
He said statistics from the police showed that 80 lives were lost through suicide. "It is imperative that we pay attention to the basics at home and in schools so to secure children from dangers and disastrous events," he said in a statement.
"Not allowing strangers to enter the school premises and making sure that headcounts are made in class to determine the whereabouts of children is very important.
"Parents must get to know their children well and patch up differences with their teenage children. Get to know where your children are at all times." With the Christmas holiday only two months away and families making plans for the holidays, Mr Bole said the safety and security of our children should be priority.
"Children being left under the care of adults sometimes hardly known to them can be a cause of misfortune that occurs in families," he said.
Mr Bole is hopeful that adults would be responsible and vigilant enough to ensure that children are safe and secure whether in school or at home.