UNICEF South Africa’s Post

June is a month that is richly saturated with commemorative days for children. June 11 was the first ever #InternationalDayofPlay. June 16 is the #InternationalDayoftheAfricanChild. At PATH, we like to say that play is serious business, since it is through play that children learn in the early years. Therefore, it behooves that in addition to making homes, preschools, health facilities, and other spaces child-friendly, it is critical that parents be empowered to play with their children, stimulate early learning, and help them reach their full potential. As such, it is not surprising that the entirety of June is #ParentingMonth, since supporting parents is the essential foundation of promoting early childhood development (#ECD). A few years ago, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation challenged us to identify specific touchpoints and refine service delivery materials that would improve both the quality of developmental monitoring and counseling through primary health care (#PHC)—and ultimately, uptake of key parenting messages, behaviors, and practices by caregivers. What followed was iterative rounds of learning and discovery with service providers, caregivers, and government managers in Kenya and Mozambique, based on PATH's innovative Living Labs model for human-centered design (#HCD). We co-created several compelling solutions—often as simple as a job aid to emphasize existing developmental monitoring and counseling content in a routine health card; or simplifying guidance on how to conduct play sessions in a health facility waiting area. There were so many "aha" moments that we were overwhelmed (in a good way!)💡🌟💡🌟💡🌟 Please read the brief linked in the post below to learn more about how we did this 👇

In Nigeria, the staggering statistics of UNICEF in 2023 shows that 10.5 million children aged 5-14 out of school demands urgent action. With one in every five out-of-school children worldwide residing in Nigeria, the need for accessible, quality early childhood education is paramount. Investing in early childhood education yields numerous benefits for societal development. Firstly, it fosters cognitive development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Quality education at this stage equips children with essential skills, enhancing their academic performance and future prospects. Furthermore, early childhood education promotes social integration and cohesion, fostering a sense of community and unity among diverse populations. It also mitigates societal issues such as poverty and crime by breaking the cycle of disadvantage. To address this pressing issue, at the Y4Red Initiative, we are advocating for policy reform and creating supportive environments for children's learning. The government must prioritize the allocation of resources to expand access to free, quality early childhood education. Together with other civil society organizations and communities, let us commit to ensuring every child in Nigeria has access to quality early childhood education, empowering them to thrive and contribute to a brighter future for all. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #UNICEF #EducationForAll #SocietalDevelopment #NigeriaEducation #ChildRights #QualityEducation #AccessToEducation #EducationalEquity #CommunityEmpowerment #ChildrensRights #LearningForAll #EducationMatters #Empowerment #GlobalEducation

MOMENT OF SORROW: COLLAPSED SCHOOL BUILDING IN PLATEAU. It is with deep sorrow that the Child Protection Network Nigeria received the sad news of the unfortunate incident of children and teachers being killed and trapped in a collapsed school building in Jos, Plateau State on Friday 11th July, 2024. According to reports, the school collapsed around 8:30am when the students and teachers were just settling into the day’s activity. It is quite unfortunate that a school meant to build the lives and future of children has ended up cutting short the lives of some while making the future of many others become uncertain. As the relevant state and federal government agencies, members of Plateau state Child Protection Network, other civil society organisations and concerned individuals continue to carry out rescue operations, take up treatment bills, donate blood and take other necessary actions to save lives of those children and teachers already rescued from the rubbles, I console with the families of children and teachers whose lives had already been lost as a result of the unfortunate incident. While commending the Plateau state Governor for ordering the immediate closure of the school and arrest of miners, Mr. Governor must go steps further to ensure thorough investigation to unravel the real cause of the sad incident and take appropriate measures to forestall future ocurrence. The government must also ensure those found culpable are punished accordingly for their act of negligence and failure to ensure adequate physical safety for our dear precious school children. May we not witness such preventable moment of sorrow in any part of Nigeria again. AMEN. Olakunle Sanni (FRIEND of the CHILD) National Coordinator, Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN) #jos #plateau #collapsedschoolbuilding #negligenttreatment #neglect #ChildProtectionNetwork #CPN #childprotector @followers

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY 2024 The theme for this year is, “For every child, every right.” The rhetoric that children are the future has become a distasteful staple as child labour, child trafficking, insecurity and displacement, poor nutrition and lack of developmental tools and basic amenities are the reality in the country. Nigeria has a young population: 42 per cent of the 223 million is under 15 years old, while 70 per cent is under 30, per the National Bureau of Statistics. Yet, they remain the most oppressed. Therefore, all hands most be on the deck by parents, the government, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations and advocates to collaborate and implement more policies and engage in awareness that will provide a better environment for children to realize their full potentials. Future Education Foundation #FEF #unicefnigeria #highlightsシ゚viralシ #childrensday2024

National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya 2022-2032 What is the Care Reform Strategy? Care reform is a transformative change within the systems and mechanisms that provide care for children separated from their families or at risk of separation. Why is the Care Reform Strategy Important? This reform aims to: 1. Shift attitudes towards family-based care 2. Ensure children's rights are upheld 3. Involve children and young people in decision-making Supported by 80 years of research and international instruments like the UNCRC, it aligns with global care reform movements. Kenya’s National Care Reform Strategy Developed by the National Council for Children's Services with UNICEF support, this strategy focuses on creating a supportive national environment for care reform. It emphasizes the importance of family-based care in the care of a child. Key principles include: 1. Prioritizing the best interests of the child 2. Promoting a family environment 3. Addressing causes of separation 4. Ensuring meaningful participation of children and youth Covering all of Kenya, the strategy targets children in or at risk of institutional care, emphasizing a collaborative and inclusive process. Let’s learn more and support this critical initiative for the well-being of children in Kenya! #ChildWelfare #CareReform #FamilyBasedCare #UNCRC #Kenya #ChildRights #InclusiveCare

Taking a whole system approach to ECD can lead to transformative & long-lasting benefits. Take a look at what communities in Malawi & Zambia are achieving for children & families. https://lnkd.in/dNVABrU3

A 16-year-old vulnerable child explains “If you can find something, you grab on to it.” (The Big Ask Survey, 2021). Ensuring every child is supported and cared for is a responsibility that should collectively fall on the shoulders of every adult. Regardless of age, heritage, nationality, religion, or skin colour – as the older generation, we owe it to future generations to start removing the ‘vulnerable child’ tag and give them the best possible start in life. What is a vulnerable child? It was not children that labelled themselves as ‘vulnerable’, it was adults – adults that identified children living in situations that differed from the perceived ‘acceptable norm’. And it is that perception that dictates levels of vulnerability globally. As an example, in terms of education – an area of focus for Be Global Foundation, the ‘acceptable norm’ is that a twelve-year-old in the UK is expected to be in full-time education. However, in developing countries like Cambodia, there are two ‘acceptable norms’ – a twelve-year-old from a wealthy family will be in full-time education, a twelve-year-old from an urban poor background will more than likely be working to contribute to the family income. We could argue that wealth plays a part in education in the UK too, there are indeed many private schools for families who can afford them, however the government does generally make provision for accessible, full-time education for all children. Therefore, the level of educational vulnerability in the UK is considered low in comparison to that of developing countries. Of course, education is not the only area that effects vulnerable children; health, nutrition, physical and domestic abuse are amongst a non-exhaustive list. Each of these, albeit in varying levels, are present in every country in the world. Be Global Foundation supports small organisations around the world who provide that ‘something’ for vulnerable children to grab on to. These organisations work on the ground, trying to stem the inequalities their country faces and reduce the vulnerability of their children. Why? Because children are the future… Calls Over Ridges Nepal Asociación ONG Añañau Flame Cambodia Manisha Shah Wyre Forest Food Bank Book Aid International

Did you know? UNICEF reports that one in three Nigerian children is out of school. This translates to about 10.5 million children aged 5-14 not enrolled in primary education Mllions of children lack access to quality education due to limited resources. ❓Question of the Day Imagine a world where every child in Nigeria, regardless of background, has access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed. How would this transformation impact your community and the future of the country as a whole? #EducationForAll #NigeriaEducation #RightToEducation #EniboAlbertFoundation #socialimpact #ruralcommunitydevelopment #eniboalbertcharityfoundation #SDGs #Sdg4

A recent survey of 3500 secondary school girls in Plateau State, Nigeria, reveals that 61.3% miss school during menstruation due to inadequate sanitary materials, and 84% use uncomfortable alternatives, affecting their health and confidence. Addressing these shortages is crucial for ensuring girls' uninterrupted education and well-being.

🩸 Unseen Barriers: The Impact of Sanitary Pad Shortages on Girls' Education in Plateau State, Nigeria A recent survey of 3500 secondary school girls highlights significant challenges due to the shortage of sanitary pads. Key findings include: 📉 Skipping School: 61.3% of students miss school during their menstrual days because of inadequate materials. 📑 Alternative Materials: 84% of girls use alternatives to sanitary pads, and 93% experience discomfort. 🩺 Health Concerns: 93.5% report discomfort and odor when using alternatives. 💰 Financial Strain: 84.7% of girls use pocket money to buy sanitary pads. 💡 Boost in Confidence: 91.6% agree that having access to sanitary pads boosts their confidence and engagement in school. It's time to address these unseen barriers and ensure that every girl has access to the necessary materials for a healthy and uninterrupted education. Global Partnership for Education UNICEF Safeguarding Children Initiative (SCII) Bill Gates #GirlsEducation #MenstrualHealth #ImpactHub #Nigeria #EducationMatters