Unchain Our Children held their annual awards ceremony at the Premier Hotel in Pretoria this morning where Wayne van Onselen, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization handed over 18 awards for service excellence. All awards were in acknowledgement of the UOC Operatives’ dedication to their areas of expertise which collectively serve the best interest of not only of children, but also of families and victims of gender-based violence.
“Our non-profit company exists for the children in the world. Our efforts are purposed to stop the violence and encouraged victims and survivors to speak out so we can move from chaos to calm”, Wayne said welcoming the guests.
Networking and celebrating 2024’s successes were the main objective but, a minute of silence was held in honor and remembrance of two much loved operatives, Sylvia Shannon and Olivia Jasriel, who passed away in 2024 but left their heart print on everyone’s life.
Nicky McDonald, UOC’s senior social worker, was awarded “The Frontline” trophy for her professional and diligent performance in the line of duty resulting in many children being brought from dangerous domestic environments to places of safety.
Deon Binneman, one of UOC’s case investigators, was awarded the “Drawing the Line” award for his tenacious approach to investigations and pursuit of justice.
Attorney Ria Pieterse was awarded with the “Silencing the Storm” award for her legal assistance and her active campaigning at schools where she facilitates speaking opportunities for UOC as part of creating awareness against child abuse and responsible electronic communication.
The “Unchain Angels” award were handed to Callyn Bower, Managing Director of The Heart of Stella Foundation and Chanel Long, Founder of KidsCare. These two ladies are the driving forces behind “Little Dreams” crèche and several other initiatives supporting UOC.
There was no contest for “The Strongest Link” trophy, which was awarded to Amy Arnold, UOC’s specialist Operative tasked with counter human trafficking awareness campaigns, training and investigations.
Members of law enforcement agencies were also acknowledge for their service and valued collaboration. Warrant Officer Melani Smit, FCS Pretoria Moot, received the award for “Exceptional Law Enforcement”. For his tremendous assistance to UOC, Johan Claassen, Senior Criminal Investigator and Computer Forensic Agent for United States Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE), was awarded the “Making Sense Out of Chaos” trophy.
Other acknowledgements include: Marianne van der Merwe – “Completing the Circle” award; Carina Bam – “Time is of Essence” award; Ester and Frans Malan – “The Hands of Compassion” award; Chris and Michelle Dykse – “Busy Bee Award”; Chantel – “Cinderella Award”; Marlene & Thinus Greyling of Daybreak House – “Care Bear Award”; Natasha Kirchmann – “Drum Major” award; Ian and Yvette le Roux - "Battle Angel" Award.
Unchain Our Children, a non-profit company was founded in 2016 by Wayne van Onselen and had since gathered more than 96 partner organizations around them with similar goals. Team work is of essence and they operate within the parameters of the law and combats prostitution of minors, human trafficking, abuse and violence against woman and children and assist in searching for missing children.
Support Unchain Our Children. Become a Battle Angel. Discover how you can contribute to make the world a safer place for children.
Contact Wayne van Onselen: 072 364 8246
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