The steps churches took in 2025

Sikunye has the privilege of walking with many different churches from all over the country (and beyond). And these churches are on a journey of becoming First Thousand Day Friendly – leveraging their strengths to support and care for families who have children in the crucial stage of the first thousand days of life. 

 As we look back on 2025, we are reminded of the many churches that have taken steps in this journey: some are small steps, others have taken big strides. We have tried to give a picture of the year in numbers. These numbers summarize events, churches, volunteers, families and children: each of them with a story, and representing steps towards seeing a new, brighter start for our nation’s children. 

Step 1: Church leaders became aware

Sikunye has a big goal of reaching church leaders with the message: “the first thousand days are important, and you and your church have a role to play”. The primary platform we use is our The Church & Early Life workshop – hosting on WhatsApp, in person and hybrid. We ran 35 events, with 1334 people completing the workshop. 

We launched a new awareness raising campaign called “FTD Month”, where we put a range of resources in the hands of church leaders so that they can raise awareness. We promoted the theme of the value of each child and saw churches move forward in getting the whole congregation on board with their FTD plans and activities. 

Step 2: Church leaders made a commitment

Once church leaders understand the first thousand days and the unique opportunity they have to invest in young life, we invite them to take the step of making a commitment: pledging to serve and strengthen families. In 2025, we saw 663 churches make that commitment. And when we examine how many families in the FTD are in their churches, we are encouraged to report that 5330 families are now receiving additional support through these churches. 

Of these newly-committed churches, the province in which we have grown the most is Gauteng.  

We can now share that the total number of churches in the Sikunye network is 2069 with a total reach of 18190 families.  

Step 3: Church leaders and volunteers were equipped

Once committed, church leaders are invited to take steps to get equipped through Sikunye workshops and training. 

Step 4: Sikunye supported key volunteers through connecting and resourcing

Part of the journey includes walking with others. Sikunye hosts monthly community of practice meetings, called “Lunchtime Connect with Sikunye”. Over the 8 events hosted, we met with and heard from 220 people. 

The Next Steps

As we look back over the steps we have taken (and the many steps that churches have taken), we are encouraged, and filled with anticipation for what 2026 holds.