Hold My Hand campaign encourages South Africa to make a difference for children this November

This November, South Africa takes a moment to honour its children through National Children’s Day on November 1, and World Children’s Day on November 20. At the forefront of this commemoration is the Hold My Hand campaign, which challenges every South African to consider ‘Just One Thing’ they can do to improve the lives of children nationwide.

The premise of the campaign is refreshingly simple: facilitating significant change doesn’t require vast, impactful gestures but rather small, meaningful actions taken by individuals. "The intent is not to aim for monumental shifts all at once — an often overwhelming task — but to encourage every citizen to make one specific effort," emphasised campaign representatives.

Practical examples of these efforts might include enhancing the reading facilities at a local Early Childhood Development centre, speaking out against abuse, providing nutritious food parcels to families in need, or even extending personal gestures of love and safety to local children. “Just One Thing” aims to inspire manageable, real-world actions towards a brighter future for young South Africans, an approach that has resonated deeply amidst the pressing challenges faced by children today.

Children have been vocal in articulating their own needs and desires, participating in summits and dialogues aimed at understanding their realities. As noted by Angela Stewart-Buchanan, Communications Lead for Hold My Hand, the children have voiced a clear desire to feel "safe, seen, listened to, and supported.” Importantly, they wish to engage meaningfully at all levels, from local initiatives to bigger global conversations.

This year’s Children’s Month carries added significance as South Africa prepares to feature Children20 within the G20 Social Summit from November 18-20 — a momentous development allowing children to partake directly in discussions crucial to their wellbeing. There, their inputs on various issues, including health, online safety, and environmental concerns, will be integrated into a declaration that will be presented to the nation’s leadership.

Campaign organisers say despite undeniable progress in some areas, we cannot ignore the alarming reversal of progress made for women, children, and adolescents in South Africa — a reality underscored by reports of increasing bullying, violence, and mental health challenges face by children. The country is battling rising incidents of abuse, further exacerbated by a bleak job outlook for young people, which has stirred societal concerns about the future.

Yet, amid these daunting narratives, the Hold My Hand campaign seeks to ignite consciousness around beneficial actions that can alter the current trajectory for children. Throughout November and beyond, they invite all South Africans — from politicians to business leaders, educators, and even young children themselves — to engage in meaningful dialogue and action focused on children's welfare. “It doesn’t take a parent to make a difference; everyone can contribute,” noted Lebo Motshegoa, Content Lead for Hold My Hand.

The campaign aligns with the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children and Teens (NSAAC), a government-led initiative devoted to integrating children’s needs across every policy and programme. "We need commitment from all sectors of society — neighbours, artists, teachers, businesses — to catalyse the necessary change," said Mesuli Kama, Network and Mobilisation Lead at Hold My Hand.

With over 180 partners already engaged in the campaign, Hold My Hand continues to expand its network, encouraging more individuals and organisations to join the movement via a simple online application process.

This Children's Month, the provocative question remains: What is ‘Just One Thing’ you will do for children? South Africans can share their stories, ideas, and inspirations by tagging Hold My Hand or reaching out through their dedicated WhatsApp line at 060 041 1111.