Staff Reporter
Safe early childhood development centres (ECD) can help protect vulnerable children, build confidence and reduce long-term cycles of trauma in under-resourced communities, the Santa Shoebox Project said as South Africa marked Child Protection Week.
The organisation said adequately equipped ECD spaces with trained teachers did more than provide a foundation for learning. They also helped small children develop the confidence to say “NO, stop, that’s wrong!”.
The statement was issued as the world marked International Children’s Day on June 1 and South Africa observed Child Protection Week.
The Santa Shoebox Project said quality ECD centres created safe environments where children could develop critical life skills, early literacy and numeracy, and hygiene awareness.
It said research suggested that children educated in supportive environments were significantly less likely to grow up being violent, helping to break cycles of trauma in under-resourced communities.
“Our work at the Santa Shoebox Project has always been rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered,” said CEO Deb Zelezniak.
“Through our SSP Legacy arm, we have reached over 180 000 children by establishing and upgrading ECD centres across South Africa. An essential part of this work is investing in teacher training and early literacy initiatives, including the installation of reading corners to improve cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
“Ultimately, it’s not just about teaching children to read and count – it’s about shaping the children’s internal world, their sense of confidence, their agency, their grasp of right and wrong, and ultimately their dignity.”
The project said its traditional and virtual Santa Shoeboxes are continuing to provide essentials to children in need.
Each box contains eight specified items, including hygiene products such as a bar of soap, a washcloth, a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as educational supplies.
“The hygiene and education essentials we distribute via the Santa Shoeboxes are about more than just health; they provide the dignity of self-care,” Zelezniak said.
“When a child is equipped with these tools and supported by trained teachers in a secure facility, they are better prepared to navigate the world with resilience.”
The Santa Shoebox Project, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, called on South Africans to support its work.
The organisation said donors could begin preparing their boxes now to spread the cost, with corporate pledges opening on August 1 and individual pledges on September 1.
Volunteers, donors and potential brand partners can visit santashoebox.org.za for more information.
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