28/05/2026
“Working together in ending violence against children’’ is the theme for this years’ Child Protection Week. It is a call to action for every one of us and the realisation that child protection begins long before a crisis arises. It lives in the everyday moments, in the teacher who notices when a child seems withdrawn, the neighbour who checks in, the caregiver who listens, and the community member who chooses not to look away.
Parents place immense trust in the hands of teachers and caregivers. These educators carry the responsibility not only of creating meaningful learning opportunities, but also ensuring that children are safe, nurtured, protected and emotionally secure. In many ways, they become the first line of protection for young children.
But safeguarding children cannot rest on educators alone.
In South Africa, where many children face environments shaped by poverty, violence and instability, child protection must become a shared community responsibility. Families, schools, NGOs, local organisations, faith communities and neighbours all have a role to play in creating spaces where children can thrive safely and confidently.
Those working in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector know that care and protection are integral to learning. A child cannot learn when they feel unsafe, unseen or unsupported. This is why training in health, safety, nutrition and emotional wellbeing remains such a critical part of preparing ECD practitioners. They are often the first responders, managing emergencies, comforting distressed children, identifying developmental concerns and helping children build trust and resilience.
South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 recognises that protecting children is a shared responsibility. The plan highlights the importance of safe, nurturing environments for children, particularly in the early years, and positions ECD as a critical intervention in preventing violence, neglect and inequality.
At ORT SA CAPE, strengthening the ECD sector means equipping practitioners with both the technical skills and human-centred understanding needed to care for young children holistically. Through our Level 4 ECD qualification and YES work experience programme, participants receive training in child health, safety and nutrition, while also completing certified paediatric first aid training. In service teachers and ECD Principals are equipped through ORT SA CAPE’s Health and Safety training and ECD centres benefit from the provision of Health and Safety resources.
Yet qualifications alone are not enough. Children flourish when entire communities commit to protecting them. They reach their full potential when families, educators, organisations and communities work together to create environments filled with care, dignity, stability and opportunity.
Child Protection Week reminds us that every child deserves to feel safe, seen and cared for, and protecting children is not only the responsibility of professionals; it is the responsibility of all of us.
Written by Bev Da Costa, CEO, ORT SA CAPE.
