The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) hosted a “Raising Our Voices for Our Children” event in commemoration of World Children’s Day this week. Speakers shared insights and a call to action on critical issues impacting the precious children in our country.
Cape Town, South Africa (22 November 2024) – Many innocent children in our country face heartbreaking realities that they simply don’t deserve. We read and hear about it all too often. From poor care and malnutrition to limited educational opportunities, so many odds are stacked against these little people who deserve nothing but love, protection and the providence of their basic needs to be met in abundance.
With the backdrop of the stained-glass windows of St George’s Cathedral, the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) hosted an important event called Raising Our Voices for Our Children in recognition of World Children’s Day on 20 November.
This year’s World Children’s Day event brought together different sectors of society to spotlight critical children’s issues and rally collective action to truly support our children in South Africa.
Prominent speakers from various sectors of academia, religious institutions, youth and business addressed child rights, protection, education, and community collaboration.
Among the speakers were Yusrah Ehrenreich (CECD’s Advocacy and Social Justice Manager), Reverend Jaques Pretorius (Executive Director, Anglican Board of Education – Southern Africa), Imam Dr A Rashied Omar (Imam of the Claremont Main Road Masjid & Research Scholar of Islamic Ethics and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame), Megan Choritz (South African Jews for a Free Palestine), Professor Jonathan Jansen (Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University), Viola Manuel (Country Director of Mot South Africa), Patric Solomons (Director of Molo Songololo), Theodora Lutuli (Principal of Inkwenkwezi Educare & Chairperson of UNO ECD Forum), Inganathi Ndiko (Grade 11 at Voortrekker High) and Shakoor Lucas (Grade 11 at Heideveld High), and Eric Atmore (Director at CECD).
Each speaker provided a unique perspective on critical issues, including poverty, inadequate service delivery, safety concerns, and initiatives aimed at creating a better world for many little ones who have been dealt some really hard blows.
“Despite 30 years of democracy, the reality is far too many children are in crisis. Nearly five million young children live in extreme poverty, where their caregivers cannot provide for their basic needs. Around one-third of children live in households without running water.
“Pit latrines remain unsafe and undignified at a third of preschools in South Africa. Only 33% of preschools in South Africa receive government funding of R17 per child per day. And the South African government has not increased this amount for six years,” shared CECD’s Advocacy and Social Justice manager, Yusrah Ehrenreich.
Reverend Jaques Pretorius also shared the importance of confronting the challenges that children face while Imam Rashied Omar emphasised the moral truth that every child, no matter where they are born, is entitled to a life of dignity, safety, justice and peace.
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Adding to the morning’s programme, renowned singer Jimmy Nevis raised his voice for children, performing two songs of hope and advocacy.
The gathering was a powerful one and the call to action was clear: We must collectively raise our voices and make a difference. Together, we can build a South Africa where every child is protected, valued, and given the chance to thrive!
Sources: Centre for Early Childhood Development
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