This year, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani says that it pulled out all the stops with vibrant celebrations across its centres.

The organisation believes in providing children with not only quality education but also experiences that nurture their physical health, creativity and emotional growth. 

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani says that its celebration includes: 

Health and Fitness Programme

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's Health and Fitness Programme is an essential part of children's development, teaching them the importance of staying active, making nutritious choices and building healthy habits for life. Through fun physical activities, group exercises and engaging games, the organisation fosters an appreciation for fitness that empowers children to take care of their bodies.

G2K Gardening Programme

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's G2K gardening programme has been transformative, especially for its youngest gardeners. This initiative not only teaches children to grow their own vegetables but also instilled values of responsibility, patience and the joy of caring for living things. Watching children’s pride as they harvest their first crops is a celebration in itself, reflecting Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's commitment to building a sustainable future while teaching valuable life skills.

Concerts and Celebrations

At each centre, music and movement brought children together in joyous concert performances. These concerts were a platform for self-expression, where children could sing, dance and act. Through these performances, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani celebrated the vibrant, unique personalities of each child, bringing them confidence and a sense of belonging within their community. It was a beautiful way to showcase the skills they had developed in our Buzz Kids Foundation programme, which nurtured creativity through drama, dance and music.

Grade R Graduations

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's Grade R graduations were a significant milestone for the children and their families, symbolising their readiness to take the next step in their education journey. These ceremonies were joyful yet poignant, as the organisation witnessed how far each child had come, both academically and personally. Graduation day was more than a farewell; it was a moment of pride for the educators, parents and the children themselves.

Additional Celebrations and Programmes

In addition to these special events, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani celebrated National Children's Day with art and creative expression workshops, play-based learning activities and social development games designed to promote friendship, empathy and cooperation among the children. 

Thanks to its recent partnership with Lego SA, every centre now has a Duplo playbox for hands-on learning and creative construction. Children can experiment, build and learn through play, expanding their cognitive and motor skills in ways that are both meaningful and delightful.

The Heart of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's Mission: Love and Equal Care

Theresa Michael, CEO of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, says, "In order to teach children, you have to love them first and love them equally." This commitment to love and equality lies at the heart of every initiative at Afrika Tikkun Bambanani. The organisation's educators strive to make each child feel valued and cherished, providing not just education, but a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Reflecting on Afrika Tikkun Bambanani's Impact

On this National Children's Day, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani reflected on the incredible impact it has achieved together over the years: reaching over 30 000 children, supporting 300 ECD centres and empowering 1 800 teachers through training programmes and resources. The organisation has been dedicated to closing learning gaps, empowering teachers and creating a space where every child feels valued.

As Afrika Tikkun Bambanani celebrated, it has been reminded of the power of community and partnership in building a brighter future for South Africa's children.

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani concludes that every day is Children's Day, as it strives to create opportunities and loving support that will carry its children into successful futures. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani is celebrating, nurturing and empowering the children who are the heart of the nation. 

For more information, visit www.afrikatikkunbambanani.org. You can also follow Afrika Tikkun Bambanani on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor