At Fatshimetrie, there is a special buzz in the run-up to National Children’s Day. This year, excitement is at its peak with vibrant celebrations planned at each center to mark this symbolic event on November 20.
Universal Children’s Day is celebrated annually on November 20, commemorating the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. National Children’s Day then becomes an occasion dedicated to celebrating the future of our nation by honoring its youngest members. At Fatshimetrie, this day takes on a special character, highlighting the joy, growth and well-being of the children in care, while recognizing their remarkable potential.
We believe in providing children not only with a quality education, but also with experiences that foster their physical health, creativity, and emotional growth. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the activities we’re set to take part in on this special day:
Health and Fitness Program
Our Health and Fitness Program is a vital part of our children’s development, teaching them the importance of staying active, making nutritious choices, and building healthy habits for life. Through fun physical activities, group exercise, and engaging games, we foster an appreciation for fitness that empowers children to take care of their bodies.
G2K Gardening Program
Our G2K Gardening Program has been transformative, especially for our youngest gardeners. This initiative not only teaches children how to grow their own vegetables, it also instills in them the values of responsibility, patience, and the joy of caring for living things. Seeing the pride of children at their first harvest is a celebration in itself, reflecting our commitment to building a sustainable future while teaching valuable life skills.
Concerts and Celebrations
At each centre, music and movement bring children together in joyful concert performances. These concerts provide a platform for self-expression, where children can sing, dance and play. Through these performances, we celebrate each child’s vibrant and unique personalities, giving them confidence and a sense of belonging within their community. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the skills they have developed in our Buzz Kids Foundation programme, which fosters creativity through drama, dance and music..
Grade R Graduations
Our Grade R graduations are a significant milestone for children and their families, symbolizing their readiness to take the next step in their educational journey. These ceremonies are joyous but also emotional, as we see the progress each child has made, both academically and personally. Graduation day is more than a farewell; it is a proud moment for our educators, parents, and the children themselves.
Additional Celebrations and Programs
In addition to these special events, we celebrate National Children’s Day with art and creative expression workshops, play-based learning activities, and social development games designed to promote friendship, empathy, and cooperation among children. Through our recent partnership with Lego SA, each center now has a Duplo playset for hands-on learning and creative building. Children can experiment, build, and learn through play, developing their cognitive and motor skills in ways that are both meaningful and enjoyable.
The Heart of Our Mission: Love and Equality in Care
Theresa Michael sums up Fatshimetrie’s philosophy perfectly: “To teach children, you must first love them; and love them back.” This commitment to love and equality is at the heart of every initiative at Fatshimetrie. Our educators strive to make each child feel valued and cherished, providing not only an education, but a nurturing environment where each child can thrive.
Reflecting on Our Impact
On this National Children’s Day, we reflect on the incredible impact we’ve made together over the years: reaching over 30,000 children, supporting 300 early childhood education centers, and empowering 1,800 teachers through training programs and resources. We are committed to closing learning gaps, empowering teachers, and creating a space where every child feels valued.
As we celebrate, we are reminded of the power of community and partnership in building a brighter future for South Africa’s children. At Fatshimetrie, every day is Children’s Day as we strive to create opportunities and loving support that will carry our children into successful futures.
Happy National Children’s Day from Fatshimetrie, celebrating, nurturing, and empowering the children who are the heart of our nation!