Every year on 27 April, South Africa commemorates Freedom Day — marking the country’s first democratic elections in 1994 and celebrating the values of dignity, equality, and human rights for all.
Yet freedom is not just a moment in history. It is something that must be continuously lived, protected, and expanded — especially for children and young people navigating complex social and economic realities.
Many young people today still face significant challenges, from inequality and unemployment to gaps in education and access to meaningful support. These realities remind us that while freedom exists in law, its full experience is still unfolding in everyday life.
While often discussed in broad terms, freedom is also deeply personal. For many of the children in our care, dignity begins with access to basic daily necessities.
Items like soap, toothpaste, sanitary products, and deodorant may seem small, but they play a powerful role in a child’s sense of self-worth. Without them, young people can feel excluded, self-conscious, and less confident — particularly in school and social environments.
Our recent focus on ensuring access to these essentials has reinforced an important truth: freedom is not only about rights, but about ones lived experience. When children are equipped to care for themselves, they are better able to participate fully in daily life — to learn, engage, and connect without stigma or shame.
