From nourishment to imagination, here’s how children across the region are growing more confident with Nestlé ESAR’s purpose-led programmes.
South Africa (27 November 2025) – World Children’s Day may have come and gone on the 20th of November, but its message is still humming gently in the background: every young person deserves the space, support and nourishment to grow into themselves with confidence.
This year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights”, invited us to pause and notice the incredible ways children show us who they are. It’s there in the doodles on their schoolbooks, the questions that come tumbling out at the dinner table, the small, brave decisions they make when navigating their world. And at the heart of all of this is something beautifully simple: children flourish when they feel healthy, energised and supported.
Across East and Southern Africa, Nestlé ESAR leaned into that spirit with a series of purpose-driven initiatives that helped young learners feel more confident in their classrooms, kitchens and creative spaces. Because when nutrition, education and imagination come together, something powerful happens: children stand a little taller.
One of the quiet heroes in this story is NESPRAY, formulated with Vitamins A, B-complex and Iron to support focus, immunity and cognitive development. For many school-aged children, these nutrients make the difference between drifting through a lesson and engaging with it fully. This year, that idea came to life through the “iPlug Yes’kolo, U learn, I learn” campaign, a partnership with beloved maths teacher Sandile Mathebula. His short, accessible videos broke down tricky maths concepts for Grades 4 to 7, easing some of that homework anxiety for caregivers and turning study time into something far more manageable.
Local TikTok creators such as Mologadi, Pasi and Vourne Kgosinkwe carried that energy online, sharing school-life content that made the initiative feel even more relatable. Their posts helped families see learning as something shared, joyful and achievable.
@vourne_kgosinkwe Just like any parent, I want to provide the best education for my child but school fees always pose a challenge. Nestlé Nespray is giving away R10,000 towards your child’s school fees – every single day. Or 1 of 100 stationery vouchers valued at R1000. To enter: Buy any Nestlé Nespray pack and WhatsApp “Hi” to 072 115 4662 and follow the prompts. Competition ends 30 September 2025 T&C’s Apply: https://www.nestle-esar.com/ #iPlugYeskolo #SiyafundaNgeNespray #Ad ♬ original sound – Vourne kgosinkwe
For younger children, Nido 3+ continued to play an important role in early development. Its blend of DHA, Vitamin C and Vitamin D supports growing bodies and brightening imaginations, the building blocks for independence and expression in those early years when everything is an adventure waiting to happen.
But Nestlé’s impact reaches beyond products. The Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) initiative has been working within schools to build healthier habits and a better understanding of nutrition. By involving teachers, parents and learners, N4HK helps create environments where children feel equipped to make choices that support their wellbeing.
“Every child deserves the chance to participate fully in their world, and strong nutrition plays a big part in that,” says Zakithi Mncwango, Category Marketing Manager for Dairy at Nestlé ESAR. “Through brands like Nespray and Nido 3+, we focus on giving young people the daily support they need to learn, speak up and believe that their ideas matter.”
And because childhood isn’t just about learning, it’s also about creating, Nestlé continued to champion imagination through the Smarties Create With Purpose initiative. Developed with South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi, the project turned Smarties packaging into colourful craft materials, encouraging children to build, dream and experiment. These small moments of creativity often become the first steps toward confidence, decision-making and identity.
Zakithi adds, “Expression is how young people make sense of themselves, and creativity gives them the freedom to explore their ideas. When we create playful spaces filled with curiosity and imagination, young voices grow stronger and more confident in sharing who they are.”
Looking back at World Children’s Day, what stands out most is not just the celebration itself but the everyday efforts that continue long after the day has passed. From nutrition and education to creativity and play, Nestlé ESAR’s purpose-led approach is helping young people across the region grow into healthy, confident and expressive individuals.
And that feels like something worth celebrating, every single day.
You can learn more about Nestlé ESAR’s initiatives for healthier, happier kids at www.nestle.com/nutrition-health/healthy-kids
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