Johannesburg Zoo hosts 13th annual Nappy Run in support of children with disabilities
With every step, participants at Johannesburg Zoo’s Nappy Run took strides toward a more inclusive future for children with disabilities in South Africa.
The Johannesburg Zoo came alive with the spirit of community and inclusivity as it hosted the 13th anniversary of the Nappy Run on November 2. Led by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), the campaign aims to raise awareness around the needs of children with disabilities. This annual event has become a heartwarming tradition that calls for nationwide support. This year, participants were encouraged to donate children’s, and adult-size, nappies from October 3 to December 3, addressing a vital need that’s often overlooked.
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Hundreds of supporters gathered at the zoo on a bright and clear morning, setting off on a 5km journey that invited them to run, walk, or wheel through the zoo’s scenic paths. The event’s inclusive nature attracted people of all ages and abilities, united by a shared purpose – to provide essential resources and bring attention to the daily challenges faced by children with disabilities.
Since its inception, the Nappy Run has had a profound impact, supporting around 2 000 children every year across South Africa. While distributing nappies remains central to the initiative, the NCPD’s reach extends further. During their visits, they assess children for wheelchair needs and identify cases of children who are excluded from schools due to their disabilities. With the support of the Child Law Society, the NCPD has taken up the fight for these children’s right to education, challenging the Department of Basic Education to take action.
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This advocacy is about more than just supplies, it’s about restoring dignity to these children and their families. Access to nappies and healthcare essentials is crucial in preventing infections and pressure sores, improving both hygiene and quality of life. By showing these children they are valued and advocating for their educational inclusion, the Nappy Run is helping build a more equitable South Africa.
The Nappy Run campaign invites everyone to be part of a movement that not only delivers nappies but delivers hope, respect, and the promise of a better future for our country’s most vulnerable youth.
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