speak up

Speaking up is one of the ways we as Christ followers can influence how families are seen and supported – using everyday opportunities to speak about the FTD and the impact it has on the lives of children. 

“In our sermons we have included First Thousand Day teachings so that our members and congregants understand the type of love, care and need mothers require.” 

Reverend Masilo Marumo 

why speak up about the first thousand days

To see a brighter future for our children and our nation, we need to invest in the  First Thousand Days  (FTD). We need to pay attention to ensuring all children get the essential building blocks of good health, adequate nutrition, protection from harm and opportunities for early learning during this time of life – and that the adults responsible for providing this to their children are also held in caring, loving, supportive relationships to help them parent well. Local churches can be that modern-day village around expecting moms and dads, around new mothers and fathers. To do this church leaders and congregants must speak up about the importance of the first thousand days and the risk factors that face families that stop them from being able to provide what their child needs from the beginning of life. The church has a voice that is heard in community and it can be used to ensure the whole congregation is being part of the village; to address myths, to call for volunteers, to help congregants see what they can do in their workplace/ neighbourhood etc.

South Africa’s great potential lies within focusing on the beginning of life!

Read more here about WHY the local church is mandated to speak up for children and families in the first thousand days

how to speak up about the first thousand days

Pause and reflect on how you can speak up
– Without shaming parents or making them feel guilty?
– Using your own testimony or parenthood story?
– Using resources and information you have heard that made you realise the importance of FTD
– what platforms, groups or social media can you use to speak up and raise awareness?

First – Listen to what parents and families in FTD are saying, to know what you need to speak up about when it comes to the challenges that they are facing. Use this resource to help you.

Next, set up a WhatsApp group to send information on, or post on social media

what to speak up on the first thousand days

Tools to help you speak up

Where else can I speak up about the importance of the first thousand days?
  • Use your existing moments of preaching and teaching to share the opportunity of the First Thousand Days. Churches are already teaching and preaching every week. This happens in Sunday gatherings, maybe in courses that you might run. You might have mid-week meetings.
  • Whether in public, in private, on social media, or in networking moments  – such as fraternal meetings, home groups, church WhatsApp groups, your church Facebook page or in your friendship groups
  • At work you can be an advocate for maternal and paternal rights such as breastfeeding in the workplace
  • Using what you already have relating to speaking up and using devotionals, posters, and other resources to grow your awareness.
  • Remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram
  • And sign up for our broadcast messages by saving the Sikunye number on your phone 063 711 3601 and sending us a message “join broadcast” to keep up to date with events, stories, scripture and latest resources.

The church has a trusted voice and people listen when the pastor speaks.

  • This can be used to inspire people, challenge them and send them into serving families in your church and around your church.
  • Add more examples in sermons that include families in this stage.
  • Correct myths, bring truth and light to ensure that all families are seen, supported and encouraged.

 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

(NIV) Proverbs 31:8-10 (NIV)