DO MORE FOUNDATION Launches Mandela Day Climate Campaign. As we approach Mandela Day on the 18th of July, the DO MORE FOUNDATION is leading an initiative to help create climate-resilient Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in under-resourced communities across South Africa.
With the effects of climate change becoming more evident, through heatwaves, floods, and droughts, vulnerable children in these areas face extreme conditions. The Foundation is calling on South Africans to take action and support the future of young children by upgrading their learning environments, helping to make them more resilient to climate change.
Better Climate Future Begins with Children
This year, the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s Mandela Day campaign is centred on the theme: “A better climate future begins with the children – and this change starts with play.” It aims to highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation in Early Childhood Development centres, where children in many communities are forced to endure extreme weather conditions, often in facilities lacking basic amenities like shaded areas, clean water, and safe spaces to play.
According to Warren Farrer, the CEO of DO MORE FOUNDATION, this campaign is not just about infrastructure but about investing in the future of South Africa’s children. “Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a lasting impact, creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can learn, play, and grow,” he said. He further emphasised the importance of collective action, urging every South African to come together for a cause that impacts everyone’s future.
Creating Safe Play Spaces for Vulnerable Children
With climate change intensifying, young children are disproportionately affected, especially those in vulnerable communities. ECD centres across the country are increasingly experiencing challenges from rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather conditions. The Foundation’s Mandela Day campaign, therefore, aims to bring hope by improving the learning environments for these children, ensuring that they can enjoy safe and stimulating spaces despite the climate challenges.
Areas of Focus for the 2025 Campaign
This year’s Mandela Day initiative will focus on upgrading ECD centres across various provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, North-West, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. The goal is to provide these centres with climate-resilient infrastructure, offering long-term solutions to cope with environmental stresses. Some of the planned upgrades include:
- Shaded outdoor play areas to protect children from extreme heat.
- Drought-resistant trees to provide greenery, shade, and natural cooling.
- Water harvesting kits to ensure access to clean water at all times.
- Solar-powered fans and lights for continued care during power outages.
- Climate-themed play packs to educate children about seasons, weather, and climate in a fun and engaging way.
- Training for ECD practitioners to teach climate change awareness and resilience strategies to children.
By incorporating these elements into ECD centres, the Foundation aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children, while also helping to build a more climate-conscious future.
Why Early Childhood Matters in Climate Education
Dr. Jessica Ronaasen, the Advocacy and Innovation Lead at DO MORE FOUNDATION, explains that early childhood is a critical period for influencing long-term attitudes towards climate change. “By instilling simple climate actions—like saving water, protecting trees, and staying safe during extreme weather—early on, we can shape a generation that is not only aware of their environment but equipped to adapt to its challenges,” Dr. Ronaasen explained.
Mandela Day of Play: Engaging Volunteers for Climate Education
In line with the theme of ‘play’ being central to this year’s Mandela Day, the Foundation is encouraging volunteers to help assemble Climate Resilience Play Packs. These kits, designed for 2- to 5-year-olds, include age-appropriate tools and toys that introduce climate concepts such as the changing seasons, weather patterns, and the environment. The play packs are intended to serve as both educational resources and hands-on tools to help children grasp the importance of caring for the planet.
The assembly of these kits will take place during the 67 minutes of service on Mandela Day, inviting individuals and businesses alike to make a meaningful contribution to the cause.
How to Get Involved: Support the Campaign and Make a Difference
If you’re unable to participate as a volunteer, there are numerous ways to get involved and support the campaign. Whether you want to make a direct contribution or help raise awareness, the DO MORE FOUNDATION offers several options for support.
- Sponsor a Climate Resilience Play Pack starting from just R67. Each pack makes a significant difference in a child’s understanding of climate change and its effects.
- Donate to ECD centre upgrades, with larger contributions helping to fully transform the infrastructure of an ECD centre, making it climate-resilient and ensuring the long-term well-being of children.
For businesses and individuals, there are also opportunities for larger sponsorships, helping the Foundation reach more communities and make a bigger impact. By contributing to the campaign, you’re not just helping to build better learning environments—you’re investing in the future of South Africa’s children.
ECD Centres: Heartbeat of South Africa’s Communities
Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, the Community Programmes Lead at the Foundation, highlights the critical role ECD centres play in South African communities. “ECD centres often serve as the heart of their communities. They are places of learning, care, and social support. By upgrading these spaces, we show our children and communities that climate action can start where it matters most.”
Sponsorship Options
| Contribution Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor a Climate Resilience Play Pack | R67 | Provides essential educational resources for young children |
| Full ECD Centre Upgrade | Custom amount | Supports climate-adaptive infrastructure for an entire centre |
| Volunteer Hours (67 minutes) | Free | Participate in assembling play packs or fundraising activities |
Lasting Impact of Mandela Day 2025
As we approach Mandela Day 2025, the DO MORE FOUNDATION calls on all South Africans to do more for the planet, for children, and for the future. This campaign offers an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselve, an initiative that not only addresses the immediate needs of ECD centres but also invests in the long-term well-being of children across South Africa.
Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your involvement will help create safer, climate-resilient spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive.
To learn more about the campaign, or to make a contribution, visit www.domore.org.za or contact Kris Fenton, Fundraising Coordinator, at [email protected].
Conclusion
The DO MORE FOUNDATION’s Mandela Day climate campaign provides an opportunity for South Africans to make a meaningful impact. By supporting ECD centres, we can ensure a sustainable future for children, fostering climate resilience and community growth
