Despite the pressure of the national examination period, Metro World Child South Africa pressed ahead with outreach in May and June, combining school programmes, child protection activations and humanitarian support across multiple provinces. The organisation said teams continued working strategically through school programmes, mentorship and intervention initiatives, humanitarian outreach, school gate interventions, and the Wrapped in Hope Blanket Drive linked to the FIFA World Cup buildup. Key highlights for the month included the launch of Child Protection Week across all provinces, continued strengthening of relationships with schools and education stakeholders, growth of anti-bullying programmes and expansion into more communities.

The School Gate Intervention model also gained positive traction nationally, while the Blanket Drive opened opportunities in over 100 schools during examination season. Elethu Themba School in Eikenhof and Naturena Primary benefitted from Metro World Child initiatives and workshops. Both schools remain active participants in feeding schemes and lifestyle teaching workshops that focus on nutrition, hygiene and personal development for learners. Glisson Niekerk, regional director Southern Africa for Metro World Child South Africa, said the results showed the power of community collaboration.

“This season has once again proven that when schools, communities, churches and partners work together, children don’t just survive exam pressure, they grow through it. Our teams are seeing learners in Eikenhof, Naturena and beyond develop confidence, resilience and hope for the future,” Niekerk said. Metro World Child thanked every donor, sponsor, volunteer, church partner, school and government stakeholder for standing with the organisation as it continues providing hope and building futures for children throughout South Africa.