Child Protection Week highlights urgent need to safeguard children's rights

SOUTH Africa is gearing up to observe National Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5.

- ANITA NKONKI

The Santa Shoebox Project and other organisations are defending children’s rights by emphasising the importance of safe, nurturing environments, highlighting Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres as crucial institutions as the first line of defence for the 1.7 million children they serve.

Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project said: “ECD practitioners provide daily nutritious meals — often the only food a child receives — which underscores their role beyond basic childcare. They create clean, safe spaces that protect children from harm and promote basic hygiene, all while delivering early learning that is foundational for future academic and life success.”