UNICEF South Africa

5 October is #WorldTeachersDay. 👨🏫 👩🏫 A day to celebrate how teachers transform education and reflect on the support they need to fully impact children. To all wonderful teachers in South Africa, we say "thank you" for your dedication and hard work.

Over 95% of children and young people in South Africa access the internet. They have every right to enjoy the benefits it offers, but they must be equipped to navigate it safely. This is the message highlighted by children at a G20 online safety side event hosted by UNICEF, together with the Norwegian Embassy in South Africa and The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies this week. The gathering was a reminder that online safety isn't the responsibility of children alone but requires joint action from all of us, including government, schools, families, law enforcement and the tech industry. #ForEveryChild, protection.

When schools lack access to safe and adequate water and sanitation, learning is disrupted and vital progress is slowed. UNICEF South Africa, together with government and partners, is committed to advocating for the rights of every child to ensure the protection of their health and education.

Did you know? Reading out loud with children makes learning exciting and motivates them to give their best in the classroom and at home. #ForEveryChild, education.

Schools should be a place of safety and nurturing – not violence. When violence infiltrates our schools, it threatens the future of our children. #ForEveryChild to access quality education, we must come together to #EndViolence in schools.

78% of learners in South Africa, by grade 4, are taught in a language that is not their home language. With the support of the Gates Foundation and the Zenex Foundation, UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education are championing mother tongue education through the ‘Early Grade Reading Programme’, to improve the overall quality of literacy.

In South Africa, too many children leave primary school without being able to read for meaning. Helping children master the basics - reading, writing and counting - opens doors to education and opportunity. Donate now to help children get the strong start they deserve: https://bit.ly/4p5TasA  #ForEveryChild, education.

🌱 Applications are now open for BeGreen South Africa. If you're a young innovator passionate about creating a greener future, this is your opportunity to get support, mentorship, a platform to scale your impact, and seed funding of up to USD$5,000. The BeGreen Programme — Umuzi.org  📢 Apply now and be part of the next generation of #WorkLifeReady changemakers! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dDfEYBMp 📅 Applications close 21 October 2025

"When I grow up, I want to be an engineer," says 14-year-old Sfundo, from Escourt in KwaZulu-Natal province. With support from UNICEF, Sfundo and his classmates are learning all about coding and robotics, propelling them towards their dream careers. #ForEveryChild, education.

Every child deserves equitable access to quality education. That is why UNICEF has, for 30 years, been a leading voice for inclusive education in South Africa and the breaking down of systemic barriers, championing equitable access for the most vulnerable and marginalised children. #ForEveryChild, education.