29 May to 05 June
National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise the awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No.38 of 2005).
The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services.
Government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse.
Sheltersuit South Africa is here to support the initiative. We have previously supported children who are
victims of war and displacement and children living in poverty by providing our hand crafted product, the shelterbag, especially designed to protect children from harsh weather conditions and keep them warm and dry.
What is the shelterbag? It is a sleeping bag that has a built-in mattress with a hood attached to it that contains a built-in fleece lined pillow. The outer cover is completely waterproof and windproof.
It provides an excellent solution for safe spaces where infrastructure, space and resources are limited. Furthermore, it is an alternative to expenses for beds and bedding and finances are freed up for more important aspects such as mental and emotional well-being and recovery therapy as well as basics such as food and safety.
The shelterbag is given to each child in need and it becomes a personal item for them to keep and use. We would like to make it more special for each child who receives one by adding a fluffy toy as a reassuring companion when settling down for a night’s sleep. Children who are recipients of the shelterbag are often traumatised or victimised, so the thoughtfulness that we put into the creation of their shelterbags will make them feel special and loved.
Sheltersuit South Africa Foundation aim to distribute 1000 shelterbags during National Child Protection
week 2023. We invite organisations who are fundamental to the protection of children’s rights and care to contact us and together we will raise funds for this campaign. We particularly appeal to the Department of Social Development and social workers dedicated to the care of children who are displaced, violated, abused or neglected to contact us.
Civil Society organisations play a significant role in the protection of children and it our wish that these organisations would work alongside us to support children in difficult situations such as child-headed households, street children and those in the care of orphanages and safe spaces.
Sheltersuit South Africa Foundation is committed to supporting National Child Protection week by
collaborating with like-minded stakeholders and partners through our social media and media broadcasts. We will be present at booked events to support organisations that are promoting awareness and eliciting support for this crucial social issue.
Sheltersuit South Africa will set aside funds donated and sponsorships solely for the purpose of the
production of 1000 shelterbags to be distributed during Child Protection week and will follow up distribution partnerships during the month of June 2023 with key stakeholders and partners.
Sheltersuit South Africa wish to have a long term relationship with supporters for National Child Protection and it is our desire to maintain the important message of the value of children to our society. We believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that all efforts are directed to creating a better future for them through dedicated care and support from the network of professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference to their lives.
We want to do the right thing, not just for society but for the future of society and the future of South Africa. It is our plea that we come together and watch a better South Africa flourish through nurturing our children in need.
“Giving children a healthy start in life, no matter where they are born or the
NELSON MANDELA
circumstances of their birth it the moral obligation of every one of us”