As we mark the end of the first quarter of the year, it is so imperative to us as an organization to acknowledge and remind our society of the critical role that is played by the non-state sector towards their contribution on education and advancing community development initiatives that seek to change our society for the better.

Amid the political and economic warfare between the USA and our country, our non-state entities still carry a message of hope to continue contributing to the World Sustainable Development Goals and National Development plan. We salute you for continuing to advance equality, justice, and human dignity. We are reminded that “Families thrive, and vulnerable children develop to their fullest potential in a safe, stimulating, loving, nurturing and caring environment.”

This quarter has demonstrated and lived that vision more than ever before. This is evident in the highlights and achievements of this first quarterly newsletter. My hat goes off to our creative, hard working innovative team that has just blended new expertise into our programs and is making a difference to so many lives in the communities of Khayelitsha.

It is with a sad note that during the month of commemorating human rights in South Africa, three children in a small town called Matatiel have been subjected to gruesome acts of rape by adults at their primary schools. These are sadly places that are supposed to keep our children safe. Sikhula Sonke cries out for #JusticeforCwecwe, #JusticeforAlu and #JusticeforBoy.

Sikhula Sonke will continue to advocate for the young children of South Africa.

Our third session of the Khunqu GBV Support group happened yesterday in collaboration with Families South Africa - FAMSA. These champions are opening up hard conversations to lead the way for change!
#sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochampions

Today we piloted our Mobile Toy Library at SD Section, reaching 70 children. As it's school holidays, children who are school going also had the opportunity to play with their siblings. It was such a lovely day for the children of SD.
A little bit of history: the name "SD" is an abbreviation of "Social Distance" as the area was named during Covid-19.
#sisoplayislearning #sisochampions #sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochildprotection

Our second session for the GBV support group with Khunkqu caregivers took place yesterday in partnership with Families South Africa - FAMSA. The session was all about improving personal and overall well-being (physical, emotional & psychological) and mental health.
#sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochampions #sisochildprotection #mentalhealthawareness

It was Children's Health Day! What a great success with the nurses performing checkups on 58 children in total. We had some referrals and follow-ups: 45 children were checked for dental issues and 8 referred to the clinic for dental follow up,
11 children were immunized and 47 received deworming tablets. Another 8 children were referred for other immunizations at the clinic. Thanks to all involved!
#sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochampions #sisochildprotection

Site C update! Yesterday we held another Stress Relief workshop, this time for caregivers in Taiwan Section.
Here's some feedback: "The session was incredibly well-organised and the facilitators created a safe and supported environment for all attendees."
#sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochampions #stressrelief

Today we held an Orientation day for the Imbewu Basic ECD Training and welcomed 21 attendees (ECD practitioners, principals and SISO volunteers). Our one-year Basic ECD Training commences on the 7th of March 2025 and equips participants with the skills they need to run an early childhood development centre.
#sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity #sisochampions #sisoplayislearning #basicteachertraining

Thank you to The Community Chest of the Western Cape for the donation of Listerine Total Care Mouth Wash for our beneficiaries. ​

​Get your gifts wrapped by one of our shining sparkly Christmas team! Find us at Brackenfell-Fairbridge Mall, Stellenbosch, Melody walk, Paardevlei Mall and Somerset Mall. Every gift wrapped is a special contribution to support young children in Khayelitsha.
And just a note - these SISO champions have given up some of their own time to do this as their own giving to our communities!