Celebrating Children: Nurturing the Future with WIZO
Thursday, 20th November, marks Universal Children’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the rights, well-being, and potential of every child. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the vital work that organisations like WIZO do to ensure that children everywhere can grow, thrive, and dream without limits.
Since its founding in 1920 by Rebecca Sieff, WIZO has been a pioneer in social welfare, driven by a vision of women working together to uplift society. From the very beginning, children became central to this mission. It was clear that the future of the Jewish people, and indeed, the future of society itself, depends on the care, education, and protection of its youngest members. Today, WIZO continues that legacy, supporting children both in Israel and here in South Africa with programmes that foster health, education, and empowerment.
In Israel, WIZO runs day care centres, after-school programmes, and homes for vulnerable children, ensuring that every child has a safe space to learn, play, and grow. These centres are more than just facilities; they are nurturing environments where children are valued, encouraged, and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
Here in South Africa, WIZO has extended its care through initiatives such as providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for children with disabilities, helping them gain independence, confidence, and a chance to participate fully in their communities. Every child who receives a wheelchair or support from WIZO is not just being given a tool, but a gateway to a life of opportunity and possibility.
Children hold a sacred place in our tradition. From the joy of the matriarchs and patriarchs to the teachings of the Torah, children symbolise hope, continuity, and the enduring promise of tomorrow. Our sages remind us that the way we care for children reflects the values and heart of our community. Every act of kindness, every hour spent nurturing, teaching, or empowering a child is an act of tikkun olam, repairing the world.
WIZO’s commitment to children is a testament to the power of collective action. It reminds us that even small acts, a donation, a volunteer hour, or a simple act of care, can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. When we invest in children, we invest in the future: their dreams, their potential, and the promise of a stronger, more compassionate society.
On this Universal Children’s Day, let us celebrate the boundless energy, curiosity, and resilience of every child. Let us also celebrate the work of WIZO and its dedicated volunteers, whose compassion ensures that children, wherever they may be, are seen, valued, and empowered.
Because when children are nurtured, we are all lifted. When children are supported, communities flourish. And when children are given hope, the world becomes brighter, kinder, and stronger.
With love,
Shelley Trope-Friedman
President, WIZO South Africa