What if one hour could help a child feel safe, seen, valued, and free to simply be a child again?
During Child Protection Week, taking place from 29 May to 5 June 2026, Badisa is making a national call to play parks, children’s museums, adventure parks, family entertainment venues, and child-friendly businesses across South Africa to join its “Give One Hour” campaign.
The campaign asks businesses to partner with Badisa in one of two ways during Child Protection Week: donate one free hour of play or access to children connected to Badisa programmes, or donate one hour of profit generated during the week towards child protection services.
This year, Badisa is approaching Child Protection Week differently. Instead of focusing only on awareness campaigns and formal discussions, the organisation wants to remind communities of something many children are losing 1 the opportunity to safely play, explore, laugh, and simply experience joy.
“For many children, play is not something that happens naturally. Poverty, violence, neglect, trauma, and unsafe environments often rob children of moments that are critical to healthy development.” Says Shannon Usher, Social Services Manager Badisa. “Yet play is far more than entertainment. It is how children process emotions, build confidence, develop social skills, solve problems, and learn to trust the world around them” says Usher
A child climbing a jungle gym, visiting a museum for the first time, running through an adventure park, or laughing freely with friends may seem like a small moment. But for a child experiencing vulnerability or trauma, that moment can become part of healing, belonging, and hope.
Child Protection Week is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness about the rights of children and the responsibility society carries in protecting them from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. It is a reminder that child protection is not only about responding when harm has already happened, but also about creating environments where children are able to thrive safely and develop fully.
Through the “Give One Hour” campaign, Badisa wants to turn awareness into practical action that businesses and communities can easily participate in. The campaign encourages organisations to use the spaces they already have spaces built for fun, creativity, adventure, and discovery to help restore positive childhood experiences for children who may not otherwise have access to them.
“Sometimes protection looks like safety, and sometimes it looks like joy,” said Adrie Jurgen Director Marketing, Communication and Fundraising. “When children play, they connect, grow, imagine, and heal. We want South Africa to remember that creating safe spaces for children to play is also part of protecting them.” Says Adrie.
The campaign forms part of a national effort led by Badisa Head Office and supported through its network of programmes and social service offices across the country. By partnering with businesses, the organisation hopes to create meaningful experiences for children while also raising support for ongoing child protection initiatives.
Badisa is inviting businesses across South Africa to stand with them this Child Protection Week by giving just one hour because one hour of play can leave a lifelong impact.
Should businesses wish to get involved they can contact Zoe Borchards on 0219577130 or email kuumba@badisa.org.za
One Hour. One Child. One Future. Lets make fun our Business.
