Save the Children South Africa Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is part of the world’s largest independent development and rights based organisation for children, represented in over 120 countries worldwide. Our Vision Every child in South Africa enjoys the right to a long and healthy life free from hunger, where they are kept safe from harm and are able to go to school and become productive citizens. Our Mission To work together with children and communities to demand their rights to protection, health and education. To work with government, business and all citizens to deliver on these rights so that no child dies from a preventable disease; no child suffers abuse and every child can learn and progress.

Who we are part of

Why We Exist Every child deserves a chance to prosper, but unfortunately in South Africa, children from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have the same opportunities compared to those from well off backgrounds. Too many children live in poverty, suffer abuse or are neglected by their parents. This means they are less likely to have enough to eat, to be in school, to be treated when sick, live in decent housing and be protected from violence. We believe that every child should get the chance to fulfil their potential. We help the poorest children get a better start in life, to grow up, to receive a quality education and to follow their dream

2020 Vision & Program The children we target Most vulnerable children; children younger than 9; children with disabilities; children living in informal urban settlements and underdeveloped rural areas. Our 5 pillars 1. Holistic Early Childhood Care and Development Programme: Young children under five will enjoy a safe, stimulating and quality early living and learning environment. 2. Health and Nutrition Programme: No child under the age of five shall die from preventable disease, and all children in South Africa will grow healthily and have long-term good health. 3. Education Programme: Every child in South Africa will receive a quality basic education. 4. Protection Programme: All children in South Africa will thrive in a safe environment free from violence. 5. Children’s Rights Governance Programme: All children will benefit from a strengthened child-rights system that advances and monitors the realisation of their rights.

in 2014… SCSA has reached more than 120,000 children in working together with partners and in communities, schools, ECD programmes, and municipalities. SCSA’s work is estimated to have impacted on over three million children indirectly, testifying to increased collaboration with government and other partners in scaling up innovative and effective approaches. SCSA reached 16,753 children mainly through its collective community-driven ECCD (Early Childhood Development) approach and extensive training of ECCD practitioners and support staff. Working with partners we have built the capacity of educators, caregivers and communities to engage positive discipline approaches in an effort to abolish all forms of physical and humiliating punishment of children. And the journey continues…

Commitment to Evidence Based Planning and Programming

Save the Children’s Theory of Change We will… … build partnerships Become an organisation with whom government, other NGOs, duty bearers, the media, communities, business, children want to partner to achieve lasting change for children … be the voice Become one of the foremost national advocacy and campaigning forces with and for children to achieve policy and societal change … be the innovator Bring evidence-based solutions to address: the holistic development of children 0-5, children’s health, nutrition, education, and protection needs … achieve results at scale Effect direct changes for at least half a million children across five provinces through roll-out of innovative solutions supported by government and other duty bearers and nationally by improved policy implementation

What are we doing to generate quality evidence-based programmes? Programmes are designed based on a thorough analysis of children’s rights in focus areas Programming is based on evidence-based principles We track the outcomes of our programmes over time We evaluate programmes to provide relevant, objective information We engage in research to generate new knowledge on issues related to programmes and in operational research to help us with decision-making We encourage a culture of learning and create opportunities for critical reflection through programme reviews and learning events We share our learnings in different fora

How did we approach the ECD programme evaluation Programme developed from need over the last 15 years Positive results seen over time but no conclusive evidence generated to support it Increased interest in the approach from partners and other stakeholders Evidence needed to share and replicate our approach Partnered with HSRC to conduct an evaluation of the approach Developed communication materials for sharing and supporting replication of the approach