Just One Thing: A national call to action this Children’s Month

Hold My Hand leads Children’s Month with a simple challenge: What’s one thing you will do for children?

This November, as South Africa marks National Children’s Day (1 November) and World Children’s Day (20 November), the Hold My Hand campaign calls on every South African to do ‘Just One Thing’ to make life better for children.

The aim is not to change the whole world at once, which can often lead to inaction as the need is so great but “Just One Thing” is enough to start. Examples could be to start or add to a reading corner at your local Early Childhood Development centre or school, speak out against abuse in your community, buy a nutritious food parcel for a family in need or simply let a child know they are loved and safe.

The campaign calls for real action, not just promises and over the past year children have spoken up, they have participated in summits and dialogues, engaged at various gatherings, entered competitions and shared their stories, hopes and frustrations. “They told us what they want: to feel safe, to be seen, listened to and to be supported,” said Angela Stewart-Buchanan, Communications Lead for Hold My Hand. “Most of all they want to be involved and to participate at all levels from shaping global decisions to everyday actions that make a difference.”

What makes this Children’s Month even more pertinent is that South Africa has included Children20 as an engagement group in the G20 Social Summit taking place 18-20 November – a global first. This will see children actively participating and contributing to the discussions around pertinent issues that include their health and wellbeing, digital and online safety, the environment, safety and protection and many other issues that are top concerns for children. To make sure children are ready with their asks they are also actively involved in thematic working groups, reviewing contributions and will also participate in a pre-summit making sure their voices are heard and their top priorities are included in the declaration to be presented and handed over to the President.

As a country we are witnessing a reversal of some of the developmental gains made for women, children and adolescents. Every day the news carries stories of horrendous incidents impacting children that include bullying in schools, sexual abuse and violence, and we are witnessing an increase in the number of children struggling with mental health, and the reality that currently children face a future with limited job opportunities available to them.

These issues seem insurmountable but by raising awareness of what can be done as a society and through small actions made by every one of us we can change this current trajectory. Throughout November, and every month that follows, Hold My Hand asks everyone living in South Africa to think about what they can do, to talk with your family, your friends, your community and to the children in your lives about what would make the most impact and to start implementing these small actions with intent.

“You don’t need to be a parent, caregiver or grandparent to take up this call – everyone can make a difference, from politicians to business leaders and civil society activists – even children themselves who as older siblings become as they term it the ‘deputy’ parent can do ‘just one thing’,” said Lebo Motshegoa, Hold My Hand’s Content Lead. He adds that, “We also need to acknowledge that children are each unique individuals with their own dreams and goals and don’t like to be compared with other children so what one child feels is most impactful to them may well differ to another child.”

Hold My Hand supports the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children and Teens (NSAAC) which is a Presidency-led strategy to prioritise children in every policy, budget and programme with plans underway to fast-track action. “Progress for children won’t come from government alone. It takes parents, teachers, social workers, neighbours, artists, shopkeepers, faith leaders and businesses: everyone,” said Mesuli Kama, Network and Mobilisation Lead at Hold My Hand. “That’s what Hold My Hand stands for, walking together with children to create the future they deserve.”

Over 180 partners have joined the Hold My Hand campaign and partners are able to join this growing community by completing an online form which is being shared by the mobilisation team https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/2cVm9i_vrQaqUw3kCs3BpFg2eyuyw

This Children’s Month, the campaign asks everyone: ‘What is Just One Thing you will do for children?’ We encourage South Africa to share ideas and stories and tag Hold My Hand or reach out to the WhatsApp line 060 041 1111.

Media are invited to support Children’s Month by amplifying children’s voices and profiling ‘Just One Thing’ pledges from communities nationwide. Feel free to connect with Hold My Hand as per underneath details for any partnerships.