Join UNICEF this Mandela Month to help children in South Africa access early learning and support that lasts a lifetime.
Nelson Mandela once said: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children”. This July, honour Mandela's legacy by donating and supporting vulnerable children.
Now is the time!
Right now, too many children in South Africa are being left behind — starting school without access to early learning, nurturing care, or a safe space to grow.
1.5 million children under five don’t have access to early learning.
Many start school unable to count, hold a pencil, or speak confidently.
Without play, care, or early support, they struggle to catch up — and many never do.
These early gaps can lock children into a cycle of poverty.
But with the right support, we can change this!
Not tomorrow. Not someday. But today! As every moment matters. And every child matters.
You have the power to change lives and futures. Every child deserves a fair start — and your action today can help make it happen.
Are you ready to change lives and support vulnerable children?
Look at What’s Been Done — And How Much More Is Possible With You
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Teaching That Builds Confidence
With support from UNICEF, more than 65,000 preschool and early grade teachers across South Africa have new tools to teach reading and maths. That means more children are starting school feeling ready — and proud.
Teaching That Builds Confidence
With support from UNICEF, more than 65,000 preschool and early grade teachers across South Africa have new tools to teach reading and maths. That means more children are starting school feeling ready — and proud.
📖 Stories in Their Own Language
UNICEF created 25 children’s books in South African languages so young children can learn to read in words they know and understand. Learning in your own language helps children feel seen, supported, and smart.
Together, we can change the story
UNICEF is working with partners to build stronger beginnings for every child — no matter where they’re born.
✔️ Helping young children in disadvantaged communities go to preschool and get ready for school
✔️ Supporting and training preschool teachers and caregivers to give children the best start
✔️ Making sure ECD (Early Childhood Development) centres are safe, welcoming places where children can learn and grow
✔️ Helping children heal and learn through play, love, and care
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Why is your monthly donation crucial?
We’re deeply grateful for every donation we receive. However, it’s monthly donations that truly sustain our long-term programmes and ensure we can consistently support the most vulnerable children in need.
By becoming a monthly donor, you ensure children in need receive ongoing support.
Predictable income supports predictable results
Your monthly gift helps us plan ahead and deliver consistent, reliable support to children who need it most.
Smaller amounts, bigger impact
Monthly Giving lets you contribute a manageable amount – adding up to lasting change without straining your budget.
Flexible and Convenient
Set it once and make a difference every month – pause or adjust your gift anytime, on your terms.
Your donation is a refusal to look away while children are left behind
Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
This July, honour his legacy with action. Choose compassion over indifference. Support early learning, safety, and care for South Africa’s youngest children.
When one individual step forward, it sparks change.
Yes, we can. Yes, we must.
Yes! I AM ready to stand with South Africa’s children.
Yes! WE ARE the change they need.
For every child in South Africa, we have a responsibility to act.
Got questions? We've got answers:
We don’t currently have offline fundraisers collecting donations for UNICEF.
If you are approached by anyone claiming to be UNICEF, do not give any personal details or transfer funds.
You can support our efforts in helping vulnerable children by donating online on this secure official webpage. In case you have doubts about the authenticity of the page, please contact us at [email protected].
Please do not share any sensitive/banking card information with any individuals who may ask you for this type of information, either online or offline.
You can securely make a one-time and/or a monthly donation, on this page, by clicking on the donation buttons. Please select the donation amount that you want to give, then continue with the next steps to finish your donation.
No donation is too small, and any donation can help save children's lives.
You choose for how long you wish to donate: monthly or only once. In order to contribute to a fundamental change in the lives of vulnerable children, the longer you choose to get involved, the more powerful your donation will be. Vulnerable children’s lives can improve if you are a part of and contribute to the work that we are doing, and to the solutions that we are providing. By donating, you become an active part of the solution and change process.
A monthly donation is a recurring gift amount that you choose to send each month, and it is even more impactful, as this means that you'll be helping children every single day.
Your monthly gift will also enable us to plan effectively in our upcoming work, reduce costs and most importantly, reach even more children in need. The support and generosity of monthly donors contribute significantly to UNICEF's efforts to help vulnerable children.
Your donation is used to support UNICEF's programmes for children in need in South Africa.
UNICEF encourages monthly donations to help us deliver sustainable, long-term solutions for children both in the region and globally.
Donating online through our UNICEF official websites is just as safe as any other online payment.
We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to protect your information and ensure that your donation is secure. Your card and personal data will be safe and secure.
UNICEF does not have access to your bank card details, we will only have access to the contact details you provide in the donation form: name, surname, e-mail and phone number.
Yes, you will receive an automatic "Thank You" email which can be used as a receipt for your donation.
UNICEF does not offer sponsorship of individual children. Instead, your donation goes to help many more of the most vulnerable children in South Africa. This may include public health emergencies, quality education, ending child poverty, protection against violence and providing safe, clean water.
You can reach out to us by sending an email to [email protected]. We are here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.