Blog

2024 in the eyes of the Sikunye team

Common Good2024-12-03T17:39:29+02:00

Behind the work of Sikunye is a group of individuals who are committed to seeing every child get a strong start to life. From meetings, to planning, to running events and everything in between, the Sikunye team has seen many things this year. Here are some of their reflections on...

2024 by the numbers

Common Good2024-12-04T22:20:22+02:00

Every child matters.

At the heart of Sikunye’s work is the unshakeable determination to see every child get a strong start to life. And we don’t have time to waste. 2024 saw Sikunye running 107 events to play our part in seeing churches care for and support families in the crucial...

Use your voice and speak up

Common Good2024-09-18T10:30:26+02:00

Speaking up is one of the ways people can influence how families are seen, cared for, and supported. Sikunye’s research indicates that the church has a trusted voice in communities. This is a powerful asset that can be used to raise awareness about the importance of the first thousand...

The role dads have in supporting breastfeeding

Common Good2024-08-21T11:09:21+02:00

Breastmilk has a profoundly positive impact on baby’s health. For optimal nutrition, baby only needs breastmilk in the first six months of life, after which complementary solids can be added. Ideally, mom continues to breastfeed until baby turns two. 1 Is breastfeeding a woman-only job? Is it only the mom...

The big WHY behind the Sikunye model

Common Good2024-01-21T09:04:56+02:00

The tragic reality in South Africa is that up to half of our country’s children are not consistently receiving enough of what they need for optimal development. There are a range of risk factors at play, including: poverty, malnutrition and stunting, infectious diseases, environmental toxins, stress, violence, psychosocial risks, disrupted...

2023 – A year of taking new ground

Common Good2023-12-08T17:43:04+02:00

At the end of each year, we have found it healthy to pause and reflect on what made the year unique. To explore themes, learnings, successes, and challenges, and look to the future with a sense of context. 2023 is no different. It was a year filled with 'firsts' and...

Positive messages for parents to encourage early learning

Common Good2023-09-18T12:36:32+02:00

  Despite strong evidence of the importance of early brain development impacting future flourishing of children, public awareness remains low. All parents need access to support and information to help them give their children the best start to life. As Vroom says, “Everyone has what it takes to be a better...

Resources and programmes for you to support families

Common Good2023-04-14T13:48:54+02:00

We know it takes a village to raise a child. And it takes more than a church leader or volunteer to provide all the information, support and resources a family needs in order to thrive. This is why Sikunye encourages churches to partner with other service providers in their community...

When does spiritual growth begin?

Common Good2023-02-15T15:28:30+02:00

When Sikunye surveyed 74 church leaders about God’s heart for young children, everyone agreed: God’s loves young children. When we asked, however, what church practices were in place to care for and support these young lives, less than half had activities aimed at this age group. And those that did...

1000 churches for the first 1000 days

Common Good2023-01-20T14:04:10+02:00

In 2023 there will be just over a million births in South Africa – every life precious and brimming with potential. Tragically, it is estimated that up to half of these young ones do not consistently receive enough of what they need for their brains to build essential foundations. To...