Regular visits to our partners around the world are at the heart of our work. It´s about strengthening relationships, provide on-site guidance, and ensure the impact of our joint efforts. It´s also about connecting with other stakeholders, investors and enablers. Therefore, our four programme managers visit our partners several times a year. In early October, Petra Alexander — one of Childhoods two communications managers — visited South Africa together with programme manager Åsa Olsson. Read her travel story below.
“Early in October, I had the privilege of visiting our partners in Cape Town, South Africa, together with my colleague Åsa Olsson, responsible for our work in South Africa.
How do you capture five days in a city of contrasts? Days filled, from morning to night, with encounters with countless dedicated people who fight every day so that more children can grow up safe and protected. Who turns ideas and visions into reality. Who meet children growing up in vulnerability where violence – not least gender-based – and sexual abuse and exploitation are part of everyday life. Among them:
Waves for Change that teaches children, including them with autism, to catch waves on a surfboard – while strengthening, protecting, and giving them hope and confidence.
Heroes Academy South Africa that, through their program, so far has empowered over 400 boys to become agents of real change, giving them hope for the future. Some boys have for their first time disclosed sexual abuse and received support.
Jelly Beanz that offers a safe space where children who have experienced abuse receive child-friendly and professional support – often in the company of Toffee, the fur therapist.
Gender Rights In Tech that provides justice for survivors of gender-based violence through innovative technology, child and youth-led research, data-driven reporting, and capacity-building.
The Parent Centre and Mikhulu Trust – both working in different ways to strengthen parents and create safe, caring adults and environments around children. The network SAPPIN that brings together organizations across South Africa to implement parenting support programs.
I’m also incredibly happy for the opportunity to finally meet Lucinda Evans – one of our most passionate changemakers that we’ve collaborated with for many years. Visiting the Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Family Center, which she has built – partly with our support – was truly inspiring.
Childhood currently works with 12 project partners in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa – alongside a broad network of other stakeholders dedicated to strengthening the country’s child protection systems.
I left Cape Town with a feeling of hope, pride, and deep respect for the impact our partners have on children’s lives. But I also carry with me a lingering sense that we all need to do more. More people must take action, invest and stand up for every child’s right to a safe childhood — not only in South Africa.
And it must happen now – not later.
Have you read this far? Then you are already dedicated to children’s safety. Childhood has the expertise and network to drive change. We scout innovations and connect people. We build capacity. You can be a part of that.”
