On Thursday, November 20th, our three community sport and education centres, Swartland, Franschhoek Valley, and Mbekweni, were filled with joy, laughter, and learning as we celebrated the rights, well-being and growth of every child.

Swartland Community Sport Centre

Children from local ECDs and schools joined in a day of energisers, creative corners for painting and drawing, Lego & Block City building, hula-hoop jumps, cone-toss games, dancing, singing, musical chairs, and imaginative play in the Eduplay Room. The highlight? A splash of pure fun on the waterslide!

Alongside the fun, we also hosted an info session on children’s rights, ensuring that every child not only played and laughed but also learned about their rights to protection, education, and being heard. With 459 children participating, the celebration reinforced every child’s right to grow and shine.

Franschhoek Valley Community Sport Centre

Here, the spirit of “it takes a village to raise a child” was beautifully demonstrated. With the support of organisations, individuals, and the incredible Val de Vie Volunteers, children enjoyed jumping castles, face painting, karaoke, race games, obstacle courses, dancing, and delicious snacks. Over three days, a total of 997 children from ECDs and primary schools joined in the festivities, proving the power of community in uplifting young lives.

Mbekweni Community Sport Centre

Mbekweni’s celebration carried the theme “Celebrating the Rights and Joy of Every Child.” The day began with an inspiring talk from SAPS Mbekweni on safety and protection, followed by a visit from the Paarl Fire Department, which delighted the kids with fire safety tips and a fun water-spraying session. Children enjoyed silly Olympics, TikTok dance-offs, face painting, art tables and the water zone—reminding them: “We are strong, we are kind, we have rights!”

Across all three centres, over 1,700 children celebrated Universal Children’s Day with us, each moment a reminder of the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can thrive.

Thanks to all our Partners and Stakeholders, YeBoneers, Playmakers, participants, volunteers and staff for making this a safe, joyful, and unforgettable experience

Remember, as Nelson Mandela once said:  “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”