Investment in our youngest

By Yngvill OfstadJune 17, 2013

It is easy to understand that when you invest in the education of a country, you invest in its future and the society at large. But what about the youngest kids? Are they best off hanging in their mothers skirts throughout the day, or is there a point to invest in their everyday life as well? We visited Cunningmoore pre-school in South Africa to learn how UNICEF is working with Early Childhood Development.

What a greeting we got at the Cunningmoore pre-school! The little building in the back is the pre-school. But the playground outside was huge. By Yngvill Ofstad

In South Africa, Early Childhood Development is gaining attention as a critical area for meeting children’s rights and needs. The major challenges facing young children relate to inadequate access to integrated early stimulation, nutrition, safety, protection, psychosocial support and health care. The country also strugles with high rates of children failing to complete their education, especially in the secondary level.

The pre-school founder Dolly with UNICEF South Africa’s representative Gerrit Maritz - by Yngvill Ofstad

Think about it – if your parents have never read for you at bedtime, if you really never have seen a letter or a number, how do you grasp the concept of learning?

In the Cunningmoore pre-school, we met 40 beautiful, smiling kids and one proud lady; the founder and manager Dolly Mathebula. In the pre-school, the children played; received a nutritious meal and most importantly, they started their journey of education by learning.

What a lovely bunch of kids and adults! by Emma Devilliers

We were told that the children who attended these pre-schools were much more likely to complete their primary and secondary education. UNICEF has succeeded to cooperate with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development and Home Affairs on these issues. UNICEF’s continuous support to the Early Childhood Development in South Africa has resulted in an increase of these programs for the youngest children from under 10 % in 2000 to 43 % attending them today. And with the spirit and power of the South Africans I met in mind, I’m sure this figure will continue to rise in the near future.

Elisabeth from UNICEF Norway sharing a playful moment with one of the kids

The kids can play.. by Michele Bianchi

The kids can play... - by Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

… and learn! by Martin Danas

… and learn! Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

The development in South Africa can only go one way. - By Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

UNICEF and IKEA Glorious future - by Martin Danas

iWitnessing the Future of South Africa

By Michele BianchiJune 14, 2013

“We are all meant to shine, as children do.” by Marianne Williamson.

“Why do you want an education?” Mkuma Mkosinathi, a student in 11th grade at the Ximayi Khoso High School, asked his fellow classmates.

He walked around the room and used his arms and sometimes his entire body to express his thoughts and ideas to his classmates: thoughts on why an education was important, thoughts on why it was important to pay attention in class. Every once in a while he would pause and then emphatically ask, “Do you understand what I am saying?” And the students would answer, “Yes!” in unison.

Mkuma Mkosinathi, a leader-in-training teaches a class at Ximayi Khoso High School (with IKEA Norway sitting in). Photo: Michele Bianchi

As a leader-in -training, today was Mkuma’s day to teach a class and as guests of the school and UNICEF South Africa, we (IKEA Norway and myself) were there to see what was being done to improve schools in South Africa. The school we were visiting was being run under a program called “Safe and Friendly Schools” which has been orchestrated in several schools in the area through education officials, UNICEF and local communities, including parent councils and police officials.

Classmates in a "Child-Friendly School." UNICEF work closely with governments, teachers, communities and other partners to create conditions that attract and retain students across South Africa. Photo: Michele Bianchi

After a fantastic welcome including South African song and dance, we walked into the classroom to see Mkuma in the middle of his lesson. It wasn’t until later that we learned he was a student, not a teacher.

We couldn’t tell when we watched him lead the classroom. He wore a dark blue suit jacket and freshly ironed matching trousers. He spoke with confidence and purpose and had the students’ complete attention. He challenged the students and made sure everyone was paying attention. He had the confidence of a man beyond his years. It took a while to realize that we were witnessing a man in training.

Elisabeth Rytterager, Sindre Kalve Jonassen and school officials observe a class in session at Ximayi Khoso High School. Photo: Michele Bianchi

As I gathered my thoughts at the end of a day that was full of welcoming greetings, classroom visits and playing with children on a half-built football (soccer) field, I couldn’t help but think that Mkuma was a living example of what is happening in South Africa today.

Despite the statistics you read about South Africa – and we have witnessed many of these things with our own eyes – poverty, lack of resources, families tore apart by AIDs – there is an overwhelming sense of optimism and ownership.

But it’s not blind optimism. Or the kind of optimism you read in white papers and annual reports. It was an “alive” form of optimism that washes over you when you talk to students, teachers and parents.

One of many posters on the walls of the Ximayi Khoso High School that remind students and teachers what constitutes a "Child-Friendly School." Photo: Michele Bianchi

I heard so many ideas today from all members of the community and agencies working hard on finding solutions. I also heard an admittance that many of these challenges are so complex that even with the best schooling, experience and passion for solutions that the answer don’t always come easily.

It was such a brief encounter today with children ages 5-18 and the adults that are helping to shape their lives. I wondered if our presence there was of any help. We were only there to “witness” the work that others have done. We didn’t pick up a shovel and imagine a soccer field or learn how to make bricks so that we could help build a school, like many of the parents had done before there was help from a new democratic government.

But even though we didn’t pick up a shovel or lay bricks, I still believe there is value in being a “witness.” Sometimes when words fail or actions don’t come at the right time, if we can stand next to someone and say, “I see you,” that can be a powerful moment. Like the most important moments in life, like birth and death, words often fail us, but as long as we are there, standing next to someone, with more feelings than words, there is still something being shared.

Happy and confident students at the Ximayi Khoso High School. Photo: Michele Bianchi

I felt like the distance that we traveled from Norway and Sweden to see these schools meant something to the children, parents and teachers. They felt “seen,” and the work will carry on long after we go. Maybe by students like Mkuma.

As Judas Tmnisi, the assistant principal, said as we were leaving, “Because you came here you will always be a part of us moving forward. We will always remember you and this day.”

He also said, “We will only part, so we can meet again.”

I hope I can come back to South Africa and see the results of the changes that have taken place. I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw Mkuma teaching a class of small children, telling his students that they are the future of South Africa.

A new morning arising in South Africa

By Anna SkuggevikJune 10, 2013

It is eight o’clock and we are “on our wheels” in direction of a community health center called Kabokweni. It’s quite cold in the mornings, but the sun is getting warmer minute by minute. Excited to meet “this new day”!

HIV is a huge problem in this country, especially in the rural areas. In South Africa in total we are talking about 17% of the population having the virus. But in the province of Mpumalanga the figure is much higher – approximately 33%!

Shocking!!

Today we met some of these suffering individuals. Many having small children and even newborns. But even if the mother is carrying the HIV virus, there is hope for the next generation. Today, women are offered medication both during the pregnancy, during birth and during the breastfeeding phase.This medication will prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child….

There is HOPE!!

After visiting the health center today, we were privileged to join the community health workers on home visits. In one home we met a very sick 31 year old woman who had just given birth to a little girl. The community workers reacted immediately and called an ambulance to take the woman and her child to the clinic.

Hopefully they saved a life today? Hopefully there is one less orphan in South Africa?

The health center receives visitors from the entire community. Many come for HIV testing and treatment, both of mother and child, by Emma Devilliers

Martin met a kid who had just been immunized, by Emma Devilliers

I visited a family at home. The family consisted of a 31 year old woman, with her newborn child. Surprisingly she also had a 20 year old daughter who also recently given birth. Luckily, only the 31 year old had HIV, and she was given HIV medicines so that she could take care of her family, by Emma Devilliers

Hans Inge bonded with the little charmer! By Emma Devilliers

When mother is sick, the grandmother is often left to be the caretaker. It is not always an easy task, by Michele Bianchi

Sanjana is head of health at UNICEF South Africa. She monitors closely the development and follow up of UNICEF’s HIV efforts, by Michele Bianchi

A school is not a building

By Yngvill OfstadJune 6, 2013

When you read about the Soft Toys for Education campaign funding school projects in Africa, you might picture shovels in the ground and constructions of nice new school buildings. The kids were previously sitting under a tree, you’d presume.

South Africa is different. The country is rich, proud, strong and full of resources – including resourceful people. Still, South Africa is topping the lists on violence, HIV and economical differences. The country has many schools and most kids attend school. For a while. The challenge is to make the children stay in school. Then you need to think differently. Luckily UNICEF does.

Quality and fun teaching - by Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

UNICEF is creating child friendly schools. But, aren’t schools child friendly per definition?, you might ask. Well, the answer is that not all schools in South Africa are equipped for quality learning. The teaching can be poor, the costs to high and the school can be discriminatory and even dangerous for girls.

Girl showing results from an alcohol project of the student led “Soal buddyz club” - by Yngvill Ofstad, IKEA Norway

UNICEF has initiated the program “Safe and Caring Child Friendly Schools”. The program aims to raise the quality in the schools, and make it a safe, healthy, equal and caring place to be. How? The UNICEF posters on the walls of the schools we visited say the lot:

Rights based – my school supports my right to access quality basic education in an environmental free from abuse, corporal punishment and discrimination

Effective – my school ensures that teachers are teaching and learners are achieving academic excellence

Health Seeking – my school promotes access to health and promotes healthy behaviors

Community based partnerships – My school ensures quality education in a safe and secure environment. Communities that care share the responsibility for learners’ well being and achievement.

Gender sensitive – my school will not discriminate and will allow equal opportunities for girls and boys. I am my sister’s and brother’s keeper!

Posters on the wall reminding everyone of the promises of their Child friendly school - Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

Making more out of less

What impressed me the most of what I have seen of UNICEF’s efforts in South Africa, is the way they work with both local schools on the ground and with the top authorities. If they are able to convince the government of the success of these kinds of programs, the government will take over and scale it up. In this way more and more schools will become safe and child friendly. UNICEF is achieving great results with small means; making more out of less, as we in IKEA usually put it. When the country takes ownership of the programs, this will create lasting positive changes for the many children and for the society at large: glorious future!

UNICEF + IKEA: Glorious future! - by Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

Happy school kid! - by Emma Devilliers, UNICEF South Africa

Me with girls with dreams the girls of South Africa might not have had some years ago: Meet a coming doctor and the future president! - Elisabeth Rytterager, UNICEF Norway

Powerfull dancing girls - by Yngvill Ofstad small

Can this journey answer my questions?

By Sindre Kalve JonassenJune 5, 2013

I’m sitting here in South Africa with a great deal of impressions that has not really sunken in. We have stayed in this country for three days and today was the first day of visiting a school. One primary school and one secondary school. But first and foremost I want to take the opportunity to express my sense of gratitude for being given the chance to join a UNICEF field trip. I feel very humble and proud to be representing IKEA in such a wonderful way.

Before the journey I attempted to imagine what we would see here. When I finally realized that I was building my expectations mostly on poverty, HIV and AIDS, crime and a long history of suppression, I felt sad. Is South Africa still like that? How would I react to the experience? And what is UNICEF’s role in all of this? Can UNICEF as a neutral organization manage to make a change in a country of so many complex challenges? These were some of the questions I wanted to find answers to, when visiting schools and health centres here in South Africa.

After having spent a full day together with people living here and experiencing with my own eyes how they live and how UNICEF together with the government and local authorities has started the “Safe and Caring Child Friendly School” programme, I am starting to get some insights into what we, living at home in Norway actually are contributing to.

Happy faces - By Elisabeth Rytterager UNICEF Norway

The first school we visited today was a primary school with 450 pupils. Our visit began with a presentation where the principal presented the school and told us how things have changed since the programme started, to secure a child friendly school. Then we were so lucky to visit their mascot, a rhino with the catchy name of “Cefi” – who once and for all broke the ice and got our dancing moves out. We even got to join a classroom where the subject being taught was mathematics. What I had been looking most forward to, was to meet all the children who were standing in a cluster, excitedly waiting for us. They had prepared a fantastic performance especially for us, consisting of a lot of singing, humor, dance and music. It was a really good experience that made an impression. Finally, we got our gifts out; skipping ropes, tennis balls, beach balls… and got to play with the kids overjoyed with the toys that we had brought.

Kids enjoying the small gift we brought - by Elisabeth Rytterager UNICEF Norway

The second school was a secondary school giving us the best welcome imaginable. Dressed in extraordinary outfits they marched along our cars when we drove into the school yard. They danced and sang and drummed, until guiding us into the room where we were to meet the principal and his colleagues. A presentation was followed by a performance of the national anthem of South Africa, as well as their own songs, a lot of dancing and positive energy. We were standing two meters from the singing kids, and believe me; it was a fantastic experience. “Cefi” even made a surprise appearance, also a hit with the older children.

Lucky to meet the school mascot - Cefi the rhino - by Elisabeth Rytterager UNICEF Norway

The youth wanted to demonstrate how they use their own knowledge to motivate the younger students, by sharing their learning skills. We joined in the classroom and got to see how three of the students played the role as teachers and instructed their fellow students, teaching them tools for greater learning. It must be said that one of the boy’s teaching ability exceeds anything I’ve ever seen. He demonstrated the importance of listening when the teacher speaks; unless you listen, you are not going to learn anything!

Having a lot of fun together! - By Elisabeth Rytterager UNICEF Norway

This has been a fantastic day with so many different impressions and experiences that I will carry with me into the next few days. And hopefully, by the end of the week, all this will contribute to an even better understanding of what UNICEF does for the children of South Africa.

Hej!

By Martin DanasJune 5, 2013

I am really glad to be at this fantastic experience here in South Africa! We are five persons from IKEA Norway and two persons from UNICEF Norway, who are all really nice people! In Pretoria we had a briefing by UNICEF South Africa. Here we received really good information about how they are working.

Because South Africa is a middle income country they are actually not that poor. But it is the country with the biggest inequality in the world, so there are very many poor children. Because it is a middle income country, UNICEF has to work stronger with the government and try to influence it as much as they can.

UNICEF does surveys and comes up with solutions, testing them in small ways, for example trying out solutions at a couple of schools and then coming back, hopefully with good results, to the government. If the government then thinks this is something that is good, they can apply it to the rest of the country. In UNICEF they call this “up-scaling” and the goal is to get the highest amount of return on investment as possible. I did not know that they were working so much in this way and I really see the benefits of this on this trip.

In November/December we had the Soft Toys Campaign at IKEA to support UNICEF and Save the Children. At UNICEF, the money is going to “Schools for Africa”. Last year, for every soft toy we sold, the IKEA Foundation gave one euro to these organizations. In our store, in Oslo Slependen, we sold 32,037 pieces, so IKEA Foundation gave a substantial contribution to “Schools for Africa”, which I think is fantastic!

Today we visited two schools to see how the work from UNICEF has contributed to a better world in these schools for children. In South Africa UNICEF has worked with the government to implement a program called “Safe and Caring Child-Friendly Schools”. The government is implementing this program over time, with advice from UNICEF, with great results. The two schools that we visited are in this program.

During our visits they showed us dramatic changes because of this program. The teachers tell us it has fantastic impact! What I think is really getting the program to work, is that they are actually asking the students, teachers, parents and society what they think. How can they develop a “Safe and Caring Child-Friendly school”? When they heard all of the people’s ideas, they created a program based on that.

After these days I have so much to say, but I can’t do it all today! So I’ll show some pictures from the great welcoming we received from one of the schools we visited!

Welcome meeting with all the students and teachers - by Martin Danas

Beautiful dance in the “IKEA”-colors - by Martin Danas

This young girl had a speech how she explain her dreams to be a flight captain - by Martin Danas

Dancing!! - by Martin Danas

The principal of the school Mariam Lucy and me

Here are Anna and me in between all of the fantastic children!

For what it’s worth

By Viola May MahJune 5, 2013

It’s been one week since Team Canada returned from our IWitness trip to Malawi. One week ago I spent a day in airplanes, hopping across 3 continents to get home. Two weeks ago I’d never travelled south of the equator, never been to Africa. I started this trip thinking, “What a great opportunity to tell co-workers where the Soft Toy money went.” I left Malawi wondering, “How can we increase the donation with the next round of Soft Toys for Education?” From latrines to shoes, from water pumps to desks, there were many moments when I learned what development truly means. Travelling with UNICEF Malawi showed me that “no child is too far”.

Nzotheka means “It’s Possible” because “we believe no child is too far”, by Viola Mah

But I’m home now and there are emails to be answered, laundry to wash, projects, meetings, reports. How do I weave my time in Africa into my daily life here in Canada? Well we have another saying at IKEA: a better every day life for the many people. It’s our vision, in fact. So amidst the emails and meetings, I remind myself that everything I do should always contribute to a better every day life, for my co-workers, for my customers, for my family – for the many!

Caregivers at Chinansungwe playing London Bridge for early childhood development, by Viola Mah

For most people IKEA represents well-designed, well-priced furniture and smart storage solutions. A better every day life for the many might mean a new mattress or better storage solutions. I have witnessed that it also means a better future for people who have never heard of IKEA. A soft toy costs a few dollars at our store. For every soft toy sold, the IKEA Foundation donates one euro. A soft toy can bring education and new opportunities for children all around the world.

Warm greetings from Malawi, the warm heart of Africa, by Viola Mah

It’s time for Africa!

By Anna SkuggevikJune 4, 2013

The hillsides and trees have turned golden. The summer is over in South Africa. The winter is knocking on the door. This is a bit difficult to understand for us from up north – it is 19 degrees in the shade..

After a night in the capital Pretoria, and an important briefing from UNICEF South Africa in the UN headquarters, we are now heading to our destination.,Nelprui,t in the Mpumalanga state.

South Africa is a country experiencing rapid development. Still it has a great deal of challenges. It is on the top of the list when it comes to social and economic inequalities, HIV and AIDS prevalence and crime. About 60 % of the children live below the poverty line.

UNICEF works on many levels to secure the welfare and rights of children. In South Africa they have come far in being a trusted adviser and implementing partner to the national authorities.

The Soft Toy for Education campaign contributes to numerous schools in the area we are visiting. Not all schools in South Africa are suitable for children. “Child friendly schools” emphasize qualified teachers, nutritious food, good sanitation and a safe environment. Here children can be children.

On the roof of the UN building in Pretoria - by Anna Skuggevik small

The group gathered on the roof of the UN building in Pretoria, together with UNICEF representatives - by Anna Skuggevik

Dinner with local government officials from the dep of education - Anna Skuggevik

We shared a dinner with local government officials from the department of education. They are in charge of implementing “Child friendly schools” initiated by UNICEF. Martin shared stories from home.- by Anna Skuggevik

My explanation about the success of the Soft Toy Campaign impressed the officials!

Seeing things from a new perspective

By Stázi JakubcováMay 29, 2013

On this last day of our trip we are in the spirit of reflection. We all sat together and processed our different experiences and emotions. We all traveled to Africa with some idea of how the country would look like, how people work and live, and what UNICEF is doing to help the children in Africa. But the reality was quite different. Wild animals, that are located in national parks or zoos, are for us Europeans tempting attractions, but we soon realized that for the people of Malawi animals like goats, cows and chickens, from which they have year-round benefits, are much more important. The weather, with strong heat and heavy rains, affects more than just what clothes to wear. They are influential factors for crop nutrition and education of children (creating an environment conducive for learning and traveling long distances to school). We found that the role of UNICEF is not just supplying donations, but also working in close cooperation with the Government of Malawi and the people affected by impoverished and difficult conditions. Even UNICEF’s excellent schooling model alone would help Malawi become more self-sufficient if it was adapted across the country.

There are so many aspects that must be taken into account when developing programs to promote education: the fight against HIV / AIDS, malnutrition and poverty, ensure the protection of children, etc. It’s a difficult task, but thanks to the continuous work of UNICEF and more importantly, the resilient will and courage of Malawi’s population, it is proving effective and will continue to do so. For us it is surprising that the children enjoyed school, but the inherent benefits, which include uniforms, shoes, food, running water and toilets are a great motivation for the children of Malawi. Thanks in part to the Soft Toy campaign, generations of children will be afforded the opportunity to go to school and be better prepared to find a job, earn money and improve conditions of not only themselves, but also their families.

Mothers and children gathering water at a communal water pump

It was on the first day of our trip, with our visit to the school in Mchuchu that we quickly realized that with the help of UNICEF, the children are not necessarily learning outside under a tree, but are inside classes equipped with teaching aids. We saw that after using the toilet, they can wash their hands under running water to prevent the spread of disease. We experienced that the prevention of HIV / AIDS begins in the classroom with the inclusion of appropriate instruction and education into the school curriculum, supplemented with the distribution of condoms and other prevention programs. In addition, men are provided the opportunity to visit hospitals where they can voluntarily undergo circumcision, without cost, in an effort to increase hygiene and reduce the risk of transmission of venereal diseases to their partner.

Doctors and Nurses of One-stop Care clinic, who assist and care for children who are victims of rape

Women are encouraged to bring their newborn children to a hospital for respective care and treatment. This includes free basic vaccinations and primary care. Despite these essentials, we have seen that in regards to hygiene, number of beds, and the ratio of ambulances to hospitals that Malawi still has a long way to go. But what did stand out were the coordination, effectiveness, and cohesion of all of the healthcare and educational programs.

Malawi is a very poor country, where many families live with only 12 USD per day. We had the opportunity to visit such a family. There was a mother and father with five children left struggling every day on little food and safety. Fortunately, four of their children go to the school organized by UNICEF, where conditions are better than at home, which is a small brick house without furniture, toilets and proper food.

Visit to family household

Each of us leaves Malawi with the firm determination to implement the next Christmas Soft Toy campaign with even more effort than in the past because we now know from experience that every dollar, which flows to developing countries, has more value than we could previously ever imagine.

At the very end we would like to thank everyone who was involved in the preparation of our journey, including our colleagues from IKEA Czech Republic, and our friends and partners in UNICEF Czech Republic, UNICEF Malawi, and IKEA Foundation. But the biggest thanks are for the brave and hospitable people of Malawi, who let us into their private lives. Everyone with whom we spent time with were very friendly, humble and always smiling. They were very candid and openly discussed their problems without any shame. Their struggle to survive in this context was incredibly moving. Now we will never forget.

Saying goodbye to Malawi

A School without Soft Toys

By Natasa NjegovanMay 24, 2013

Does an IKEA Soft Toy really make a difference towards the Educational system in Africa? I arrived to Malawi in hopes to seek out an answer to this question. The Mchuchu Primary School that we visited earlier this week exemplified the successful support UNICEF has provided through the Schools for Africa Program. Mchuchu Primary provided the children with clean latrines, comfortable seating, a safe environment and overall a positive atmosphere for learning. But until I stepped into Phanda Primary School, a school that does not benefit through the Schools for Africa Program, I never would have understood the dramatic differences.

A student dance and drama performance, by Natasa Njegovan

Phanda Primary School was built in 1919 and to this day, the structure of the school remains as is. There are seven classrooms and only two are in good condition while the other five have cracking walls and struggle with leaking roofs. With 1,223 students, Phanda Primary is unable to provide desks or chairs forcing the children to learn sitting on the ground and even outside under trees for large classes.

A teacher in action! By Natasa Njegovan

Child Friendly Schools are required to contain clean and accessible latrines as well as access to clean water. Phanda Primary is equipped with separate washrooms for both boys and girls however, they provide little to no privacy, unsanitary conditions and most importantly no wash station. For an adolescent girl a sanitary latrine is one of the key drivers to staying in school creating an increase in drop outs at Phanda Primary.

Unsanitary female latrines, by Natasa Njegovan

Despite the conditions at Phanda Primary there’s still an inspirational vibe within the community. Phanda Primary receives an immense amount of support from their “Mother Group” who encourages adolescent drop outs to return to school. They provide counseling and support to those girls who have had babies and been discouraged. Functional Literacy Programs take place in communities to help assist those drop outs and teach them to read and write for nine months. This way whether they decide to return to school or not they are at least literate.

Viola and I practicing Chichewa with a group of students, by Jennifer Huang

Although UNICEF is not a donor to Phanda, UNICEF has combined forces with the UN on the Joint Program for Adolescents and Education. This is a scholarship program aimed for adolescent girls awarded by the District. Phanda has 21 girls benefiting from the scholarship, 5 of those have returned after having a baby.

Phanda Primary School faces a lot of challenges. The poor learning conditions prevent many students from excelling or even enjoying school. “Iwitnessed” the drastic difference our Soft Toys for Education Campaign makes in African Schools. A Child Friendly School is not just about gaining materials but empowering our children to grow. I look forward to instilling my passion for the Soft Toys for Education Program when I return.

Children excited to be on break! By Natasa Njegovan

IWitness Global Citizens Blog