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 on November 1 and World Children’s Day on November 20, the Hold

My Hand campaign called on every South African to do ‘Just One Thing’ to make life better for children. The aim is not to change the world at once, which can often lead to inaction because the need is so great. Just one thing is enough to start.

Examples include adding to a reading corner at your local early childhood development centre or school; speaking out against abuse; buying a nutritious food parcel for a family in need; or letting a child know they are loved and safe.

The campaign calls for real action, not just promises. Over the past year, children have spoken up, participated in summits and dialogues, engaged in 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 head 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 more pertinent is that South Africa has included Children20 as an engagement group in the G20 Social Summit from November 18 to 20 – a global first.

Children were actively participating and contributing to discussions about pertinent issues on their health and wellbeing, digital and online safety, the environment, safety and protection, and other top concerns for children.

To ensure children were ready with their requests, they were also actively involved in thematic working groups, reviewing contributions, and participating in a pre-summit to make sure their voices were heard and that their top priorities were included in the declaration presented and handed over to the President.

Stewart-Buchanan said South Africans 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. These include bullying in schools, sexual abuse, and violence. Citizens are also witnessing an increase in the number of children struggling with mental health challenges, and the reality that children face a future with limited job opportunities.

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“These issues seem insurmountable, but by raising awareness of what can be done as a society and through small actions made by everyone, we can change this current trajectory.

Throughout November, and every month that follows, Hold My Hand asks everyone in South Africa to think about what they can do, to talk with their family, friends, community and to the children in their lives about what would make the most impact and to start implementing these small actions with intent,” said Stewart-Buchanan.

“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.

“Children themselves, who as older siblings become a ‘deputy’ parent, can do ‘just one thing’,” said Lebo Motshegoa, Hold My Hand’s content lead.

He added, “We also need to acknowledge that children are unique individuals with their own dreams and goals, and don’t like to be compared with other children. What one child feels is most impactful to them may differ from another child.”

Hold My Hand supports the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children and Teens (NSAAC), 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 with children to create the future they deserve.”

Over 180 partners have joined the Hold My Hand campaign, and others can become part of this growing community, by completing an online form on https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/2cVm9i_vrQaqUw3kCs3BpFg2eyuywReach out to Hold My Hand’s WhatsApp line on 060 041 1111.