Over and above these eight communities that the foundation supports, the foundation's nutrition programme footprint reaches children in an additional 22 communities. Over the last year, more than six million meals of DoMore Porridge were donated to ECD centres in 30 communities across South Africa, feeding 27 617 young children one bowl of this nutritious porridge every school day for a year, says the foundation.
"Quality early childhood care is not a privilege, it's a right and the impact we made in F24 underscores how strategic investment in ECD directly benefits both individual children and society at large. With a focus on health, nutrition, education and holistic care, our efforts contribute to the sustainable development of entire communities by nurturing the potential of their youngest members," says Warren Farrer, CEO of the DO MORE FOUNDATION.
UNICEF's World Children's Day 2024: Listen to the Future
These achievements resonate with the goals of World Children's Day, with this year's theme being 'Listen to the Future'. UNICEF is calling on adults to prioritise children's voices and rights, especially in marginalised communities where access to quality ECD services is limited, says the foundation.
The DO MORE FOUNDATION says that it stands alongside this mission. Through its community-specific and national programmes, the Foundation demonstrates how listening to all stakeholders involved in ECD and investing in the holistic development of young children can drive meaningful positive change for the community and the country's future.
Farrer says, "To the DO MORE FOUNDATION, every World Children's Day represents a continuous pledge to nurture, empower and create lasting opportunities for young children, supporting their growth and well-being every day."
Collective Impact: Coming Together to Meet the Needs of Young Children
The DO MORE FOUNDATION says that its impact is underpinned by a network of over 260 partners from across all sectors that together enable community-specific and broader national programmes to address key challenges within ECD. The Foundation plays a "backbone" role by coordinating these diverse partners (businesses, government and traditional authorities, community leaders, ECD centres, academic institutions and NPOs), linking policies with grassroots action, and mobilising resources through Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and private donor funding.
Enterprise Development Programmes Boost Household Financial Security
In addition to supporting ECD in communities, the DO MORE FOUNDATION says that it empowers women, youth entering the workforce and young adults with disabilities through enterprise development programmes that focus on comprehensive training and resources.
By supporting the creation of sustainable livelihoods for marginalised groups like women and disabled youth as well as increasing the employability of young people, the DO MORE FOUNDATION and its partners enable them to support their families, growth in local economy and prosperity in the community.
Balungile, a single mother to two children living in Hammarsdale, is one of the 2023 Township Economy programme graduates. She is now the owner of her own spa business, says the foundation.
Balungile, says "There are a lot of things that have changed since I have joined this programme. I'm living the life that I want, and I have fulfilled a life-long dream. Whatever I do, the success and prosperity of my business comes first. Now that I know what business really is, I know that I must save money and do things professionally."
In the last financial year, the foundation says that it has provided business training and mentorship to 83 women-led SMMEs, 90 disabled youth have been integrated into the Foundation's #DoMorePlay project and 139 youth entering the workforce have been trained in either basic computer or woodworking skills.
Every day is World Children's Day
The foundation concludes that, along with its partners, it prioritises young children in South Africa and together they drive collective action to protect and advance their rights. By continuing to invest in and expand its impact, the foundation aims to create better tomorrows for young children so that they, their families and communities can thrive.
For more information, visit www.domore.org.za. You can also follow the DO MORE FOUNDATION on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor