What better way to celebrate a decade of making a difference than by throwing a party for 10 000 children?
That’s exactly what Outside the Bowl Africa (OTB Africa) has planned as the organisation marks 10 years of fighting child hunger and supporting communities across the Western Cape.
On Friday, 20 November 2026, Faure Stadium in Drakenstein will come alive as more than 10 000 children from Paarl, Mbekweni, Wellington, Franschhoek and surrounding communities gather for a massive World Children’s Day celebration.
And this isn’t just any celebration. It’s a day dedicated entirely to making children feel seen, valued and, most importantly, loved.
With the theme “You Are Loved”, the event promises food, entertainment, gifts and plenty of opportunities for children to simply enjoy being children.
A Decade of Making a Difference
For the past 10 years, Outside the Bowl Africa has been tackling child hunger through nutritional programmes and community initiatives.
But the organisation’s work goes beyond putting food on plates.
By supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and partnering with local communities, OTB Africa has helped strengthen the environments where young children learn, grow and develop.
Now, instead of celebrating its milestone with a traditional anniversary function, the organisation is putting the spotlight firmly on the children who have been at the heart of its journey.
โOutside the Bowl Africa has been serving communities for 10 years, and a very special part of that journey has been the children and ECDs we serve across Drakenstein,โ says founder Mark Maingard.
โWe couldn’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate 10 years than by bringing so many of these children together for a day that is completely about them.โ
For Maingard, the celebration is also an opportunity to recognise the educators and communities who work tirelessly to support children, often with limited resources.
โOver the years, we have seen first hand what the ECDs and their communities are doing for our children, often with very limited resources. This celebration is our opportunity to stand alongside them, to say thank you, and to remind every child that they are seen, they matter and they are loved.โ
10 000 Smiles and a Stadium Full of Fun
Imagine thousands of children singing, dancing, laughing and enjoying a day designed just for them.
That’s the vision behind the World Children’s Day celebration.
Faure Stadium will be transformed into a hub of entertainment, interactive activities and educational experiences, bringing children from different communities together for a memorable occasion.
And, of course, no great celebration is complete without food.
Organisers are preparing more than 10 000 boerewors rolls for the children, teachers and principals attending the event.
Refreshments and nutritional products, including a VitaKidz nutritional meal component, will also be provided.
To make the occasion even more special, every child will receive a World Children’s Day gift bucket filled with treats, nutritional products and other surprises to take home.
โTo have more than 10 000 children together, enjoying a meal, receiving a gift, singing, dancing and simply being children, is incredibly special to us,โ says Maingard.
โThis is how we wanted to celebrate 10 years of Outside the Bowl Africa: by giving back to the children and communities who have been such an important part of our journey.โ
It Takes a Community to Make a Difference
An event of this magnitude doesn’t happen without plenty of helping hands.
OTB Africa has partnered with Drakenstein Municipality, businesses, sponsors, nonprofit organisations and community partners to bring the celebration to life.
From food and refreshments to entertainment and gifts, the event is a reminder of what can happen when organisations and communities work towards a shared goal.
While the day celebrates a decade of Outside the Bowl Africa’s achievements, it also highlights the importance of supporting the people who care for and educate children throughout the year.
After all, making a difference isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about ensuring a child has a nutritious meal, a safe place to learn or simply a reason to smile.
More Than Just a Birthday Celebration
For Outside the Bowl Africa, turning 10 isn’t simply about looking back at what has been accomplished.
It’s about looking forward to a future where more children have access to the nutrition, care and opportunities they deserve.
And while the celebrations will last just one day, the message behind them is one worth carrying throughout the year.
Every child deserves to feel safe. Every child deserves to feel valued. And every child deserves to know they are loved.
If bringing 10 000 children together to celebrate that message isn’t a meaningful way to mark a milestone, we’re not sure what is.
Event Details
Event: World Children’s Day 2026
Organiser: Outside the Bowl Africa, in partnership with Drakenstein Municipality and supporting partners
Date: Friday, 20 November 2026
Venue: Faure Stadium, Drakenstein, Western Cape
Expected attendance: More than 10 000 children
Communities: Paarl, Mbekweni, Wellington, Franschhoek and surrounding areas
Theme: You Are Loved
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