Innovation Edge

Happy Holidays! As 2024 comes to a close, the Innovation Edge team extends our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing partners and the inspiring community of change-makers who made this year so impactful. Together, we’ve reached incredible milestones. Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season! We look forward to seeing you in the new year. ✨🚀 #HappyHolidays #InvestEarly #0to6Matters 

Stay in the loop with all things Innovation Edge! 🚀 Our latest newsletter is reflecting on a decade of impact. Don’t miss out on the insights, highlights, and exciting news we’re sharing this month! 🔗 https://bit.ly/4iNlSLK #CelebrateWithUs #10YearCelebration #InvestEarly #0to6Matters 

As we look back at the road travelled, 10 years of catalysing innovation and making an impact in ECD, we’re honoured to share heartfelt messages from some of our partners.  Their stories and successes are at the heart of what drives us forward. Here's what they have to say about this incredible journey!  #CelebrateWithUs #10YearCelebration #InvestEarly #0to6Matters

Did you know, between 2018/19 and 2022/23, severe acute malnutrition rose by a staggering 26.3%? These figures reflect a deeply concerning reality that demands our immediate intervention and attention. Some facts: 📌 Stunting is on the increase affecting at least one in four children in South Africa as a direct result of malnutrition.  📌 In 2020, 10% of children in South Africa lived in households that reported child hunger.    The article below is a harsh reminder that addressing malnutrition and strengthening support systems for children is absolutely critical. 🔗⬇️ Take a look: #InTheNews #InvestEarly #0to6Matters

Happy #InternationalHumanRightsDay !  This year’s International Human Rights Day, under the theme “Our rights, our future, right now,” highlights the vital role of human rights as a pathway to solutions shaping a future rooted in dignity and equality. At Innovation Edge, we believe every child has the right to a safe and nurturing environment. Through our work, we strive to create opportunities that enable and empower caregivers to protect and nurture children, laying the foundation for children to thrive. #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRights #InvestEarly #0to6Matters

Research shows that children who grow up without the active, positive presence of one or more men in their lives puts them at significant risk of certain outcomes. These risks include becoming victims or perpetrators of violence, including GBV, substance addiction, teenage pregnancy, increased risk of mental illness, and poor educational and economic outcomes.  Let’s build communities where men are supported and empowered to become positive role models!  #16DaysofActivism #InvestEarly #0to6Matters 

As we commemorate #16DaysofActivism, it's important to recognise that safe environments for women—one free from harm and filled with support is essential for creating secure and nurturing spaces for children to thrive. When caregivers feel protected and empowered, they can offer the stability and care that every child deserves.  This article highlights the profound impact father absence has on children, as detailed in the latest Fathers Matter report: https://lnkd.in/dbgJZtds. #16DaysofActivism #InvestEarly #0to6Matters  

We’re still reflecting on some of the impactful investments, collaborations and partnerships we’ve formed over the past 10 years.  We’re proud to have invested in TeamPact between 2019-2024 and being part of their journey as they continue to transform how organisations and sectors track attendance and assess their team- or group-based programmes. TeamPact is a reliable tool that increases transparency in programme attendance data in and outside ECD. Having reliable and accurate programme data easily available helps funders and stakeholders feel more confident about providing funding and resources to these programmes. Some highlights about TeamPact: 📌In 2022, TeamPact was successfully utilised by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa and The Learning Trust to track attendance data for reporting, safeguarding, and resource allocation. 📌 In 2023, the DG Murray Trust piloted TeamPact in their Zero Dropout Campaign (a national campaign focused on halving the rate of school dropout by 2030). 📌 The Job Fund’s partners, Year Beyond and Sports for Social Change Network, are using TeamPact to track 10 000 young people in jobs across South Africa. Learn more in our 2023 impact report: https://lnkd.in/dyJDA-NW. #CelebrateWithUs #10YearCelebration #InvestEarly #0to6Matters 

Children’s voices offer powerful insights into the role of fathers in their lives! The Fathers Matter’s report, Fathers Matter: Amplifying Children’s Voices About Fatherhood, provides valuable insights into how children aged 10 -16 years view fatherhood. It highlights what they believe makes a “good” or “bad” father and sheds light on the effects of father absence on children's behaviour and social interactions. This resonates deeply with our work with Fathers Matter ECD, one of Heartlines initiatives which focuses on enabling fathers to play an active and positive role in their children’s lives. It is crucial to create supportive environments that allow fathers to play a more nurturing role during the early years of their children’s lives and lay the foundation for improved outcomes for children. Follow the link to read the report: https://lnkd.in/dkyK2epW. #InvestEarly #0To6Matters #Fatherhood #16DaysOfActivism

#Our10YearCelebration🎉: Over the past decade, we’ve navigated through challenges, embraced achievements, and remained committed to making a meaningful difference by investing early to build a strong foundation for the future success of our country’s youngest citizens.  In this blog we reflect on some of the impactful moments that have made this journey unforgettable over the last 10 years.  ✨ Celebrate with us as we take a look at our impactful journey, the shared lessons and what lies ahead! #CelebrateWithUs #10YearCelebration #InvestEarly #0to6Matters