As Mandela Day (18 July) draws near, the DO MORE FOUNDATION is asking South Africans to take meaningful action—this time, for young children facing the dual challenge of poverty and climate change. Their 2025 campaign reminds us that a better climate future begins with play, and it begins now.
Why It Matters
From soaring heatwaves to destructive floods and water shortages, climate change is hitting South African communities hard. But it’s young children—especially those in under-resourced areas—who are most at risk. Many Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres lack basic shelter, clean water, and safe play areas. That’s where the DO MORE FOUNDATION is stepping in.
“This Mandela Day, your contribution goes far beyond infrastructure; it’s an investment in a child’s future,” says Warren Farrer, CEO at the DO MORE FOUNDATION. “We’re calling on South Africans to come together with purpose and compassion to help create safe, nurturing spaces where children can learn, play and grow, even as the climate changes around them.”
Change Starts With Play
Since 2017, the Foundation has partnered with corporates, communities, and individuals to uplift ECD centres across South Africa. Last year, more than 25 businesses and 500 volunteers upgraded 192 ECD centres, improving play spaces for 9,600 children in just one day.
This year, the focus shifts to climate resilience, with upgrades across nine rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
Upgrades Include:
- Safe, shaded play areas
- Drought-resistant trees
- Water harvesting kits
- Solar-powered lights and fans
- Climate play packs for young learners
- Climate training for ECD practitioners
Create a Climate Resilience Play Pack
During Mandela Month, corporate volunteers will spend their 67 minutes assembling interactive Climate Resilience Play Packs, specially designed for 2–5-year-olds. These teach age-appropriate concepts around weather, seasons, and simple climate actions like saving water and staying safe in extreme weather.
“When we support teachers, parents and caregivers to introduce everyday climate actions… we’re helping to raise a generation that’s more connected to their environment and more prepared for the future,” says Dr Jessica Ronaasen, Advocacy and Innovation Lead.
Can’t Volunteer in Person? Sponsor a Kit
You can still be part of the movement. Sponsor a Climate Resilience Play Pack for just R67, or fund an entire climate upgrade at an ECD centre. Every contribution helps create a cooler, safer, and more joyful learning space.
“ECD centres are the heart of their communities,” says Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, Community Programmes Lead. “By upgrading these spaces, we’re protecting children and showing communities that climate action can begin right where they are.”
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