By CECD
With the backdrop of the stained-glass windows of St George’s Cathedral, the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) hosted an important event, Raising Our Voices for Our Children in recognition of World Children’s Day on 20 November 2024.
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 – 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 atnHeideveld High), and Eric Atmore (Director at CECD). Each speaker brought a unique perspective to these pressing issues.
Adding to the morning’s programme, renowned singer Jimmy Nevis raised his voice for children, performing two songs of hope and advocacy. CECD’s Advocacy and Social Justice manager, Yusrah Ehrenreich stated the facts at the start of the event: “Despite 30 years of democracy, the reality is far too many children are in crisis. Nearly 5 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.”
Reverend Jaques Pretorius began by stating, “On this World Children's Day, we gather not only to celebrate the promise that our children embody, but also to confront the challenges that they face.” Imam Rashied Omar then emphasised, “We dream of a world where every child... has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The children of Gaza, the children of South Africa, the children of the Cape Flats... Let us never forsake the profound moral truth that every child, no matter where they are born, is entitled to a life of dignity, safety, justice and peace.”
The programme was elevated by the voices of Grade 11 learners, Inganathi Ndiko (Voortrekker High) and Shakoor Lucas (Heideveld High) who shared their real-life experiences and raised their voices for children. Prof Eric Atmore, CECD director, in his closing remarks stated that we need to translate our anger on these issues into visible action, including through a nationwide protest at the opening of Parliament on 2025.
The historic venue of St George’s Cathedral saw around 500 attendees, including non-profit organisations, ECD professionals, journalists, social workers, community leaders, and political representatives. The event recording can be viewed on the CECD Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CentreForEarlyChildhoodDevelopment).
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.
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