Dear Ladles Supporter
Many people are turning this weekend into a mid-year break and taking advantage of the public holiday. Every year, Youth Day reminds us of the young people who have played a powerful role in shaping South Africa’s story. The youth that have stood up against injustice, challenged inequality and steered our nation towards a fairer future.
Today, with 20 million youth aged 15 to 34 in our country, we are reminded that the promise of our nation sits in the hands of a our future leaders. At Ladles of Love, we believe that if we want young people to grow into confident, capable and active citizens, we must start in the preschool years, which is why we established our Nourish Our Children programme, supporting the education of 15,000 children through nutrition, training and resources.
Small children need to develop strong bodies, curious minds and build the confidence and resilience they need to navigate their education journey. These children deserve to participate and contribute, becoming the leaders South Africa needs.
The burning question is: How can YOU help? What can YOU do to invest in the youth of tomorrow. The answer is: To mobilise people, to take action. Leading the way is Zola Nene, a highly accomplished author, celebrity chef and TV personality, and importantly a Ladles of Love Trustee.
Zola is calling for everyone to join her at our Mandela Day events and become a ‘Hands-On Hero’. This means actively volunteering to be in service to the little children in our country who need our help.
Supporting the call to action, Yolanda Jones, our Programme Director provides context: “When people think about Mandela Day, they often think about volunteers packing boxes, painting posters, creating educational resources, or crafting toys. What they may not realise is that every item created has the potential to change a child’s day, and sometimes even their future.
Mandela Day volunteers help create activity books, nutrition-focused posters, bean bags, veggie grow boxes, and trucks that bring learning to life. They introduce children to healthy foods, stimulate curiosity, build confidence, and create a sense of ownership and belonging. Combined with the Love Food Boxes that provide nutritious meals, the resources do more than fill classrooms; they fill hearts. They help children feel seen, valued, safe, and loved. For many of the children in our preschools, that experience is only possible because kind people choose to give their time, hearts and hands.”
Hear the rally cry, be a ‘Hands-On Hero’ and help us support the leaders of tomorrow. Book tickets for your colleagues, crew and clan as soon as you can. For group bookings reach out to:
HandsOnEvents@ladlesoflove.org.za
Danny and the Ladles of Love Team ❤️
