While we celebrate national and international days of recognition every year, the devastation of 2020 has left the world’s most vulnerable citizens that much more vulnerable.

This makes World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on 20 November, that much more important.

In South Africa, statistics show that some 60% of our children are impoverished, making access to basic necessities – clothing, food, water and education – almost impossible.

Fortunately, there’s something we can all do; contribute in some way or another to South Africa’s children.

Here are five non-profit organisations you can assist – whether it’s by volunteering time, sponsoring funds, or donating items – to celebrate World Children’s Day today.

Santa Shoebox Project [https://santashoebox.org.za/] For many children, Christmas presents are a mere dream, which is why the Santa Shoebox Project is such a phenomenal NPO.
Every year, the organisation collects and distributes personalised gifts of essential items and treats for underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia.
The organisation gives you the option of preparing your own ‘shoebox’ with a list of items and guidelines, sponsor a shoebox, give a financial donation or volunteer your time.

DICE [https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/8016/dice/] This Zululand-based charity is non-affiliated and non-discriminatory, catering only to those in need of assistance, with a special focus on children and the elderly.
DICE (Do I Care Enough?) willingly accepts funding and donations from the community, which are then distributed to those who’ve approached the organisation for help, as well as establishments located in the surrounding rural areas.
In addition to its annual Winter Warmth project, adopted crèches and orphanages, DICE hosts an annual Christmas Cheer initiative distributing gifts to those in need.

Save the Children [https://www.savethechildren.org.za/]

This is a proudly South African NPO which fights for children’s rights, focused on three key areas:
* Survive: No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday.
* Learn: All children learn from a good quality basic education.
* Be protected: Violence against children is no longer tolerated.
Sponsorship is always welcome to assist in the great work being done, with a special Covid-19 appeal to help feed the children of South Africa.

Gift of the Givers [https://giftofthegivers.org/] This non-affiliated, South African-established organisation goes wherever there is a need – within South Africa and beyond.
They specialise in disaster response, visiting war-torn countries to distribute food and medical supplies, with the pandemic seeing them assist with hunger alleviation and water provision at home.
They also focus on the provision of healthcare, education and social upliftment. Donations to this life-changing organisation are always welcome.

The Peace Agency [https://www.peaceagency.org.za/] The Peace Agency is a Durban-based NPO that oversees a number of impactful projects being run throughout South Africa.
These include the national press campaign, Stop Crime Say Hello; The Baby Home and the Hammersdale Child Care Centre, which provide places of safety for abandoned or orphaned babies.
There are many ways you can donate to this incredible umbrella organisation that continues to uphold the rights of South African children.


‘I have found that, among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver’ – Maya Angelou

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