One small thing can change a child’s whole day
As South Africa heads into the festive season, [www.holdmyhand.org.za] Hold My Hand (HMH) is inviting people across the country to pause, look around them, and choose just one small thing they will do to make a child or teen feel loved, safe and seen.
The “Just One Thing” competition is a national storytelling call-out that celebrates the everyday moments that matter: reading a bedtime story, walking to school together, cooking a simple meal, playing a game, checking in about feelings, or putting a child’s safety first on a busy day. November is Children’s Month and this competition is a wonderful way to celebrate the children in our lives.
From 21–30 November 2025, anyone living in South Africa can enter by sharing one real moment, plan or tradition during this festive season, involving a child or teen in their life, using any of the following formats:
A voice note or audio clip with an image (about 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes)
A short video (about 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes)
A photo with a caption (max 50 words)
A drawing or artwork (sent as a clear photo, with a caption)
A short story, message, letter or poem (max 500 words)
Entries are submitted via WhatsApp to 0600 411 111.
“We often talk about ‘big change’ for children, but in real life it starts with small, everyday actions,” says Hold My Hand Communications Content Lead, Lebo Motshegoa. “Just One Thing is about shining a light on those moments. The five minutes you take to listen, walk, play or comfort. When people share these stories, they remind all of us that we each have the power to show up for the children and teens around us.”
Airtime spot prizes of R500 will be given away in random draws from valid entries received during the competition period. Five cash prizes of R5 000 will go to the top judged entries that best capture heart, clarity and creativity in telling their “just one thing” story.
A judging panel will look for entries that feel honest, clear, creative, and full of heart, whether they come from a child, teen, parent, grandparent, older sibling, teacher, neighbour or other caregiver figure.
“Children are not only shaped by big policies and big budgets. They are shaped by what happens in their homes, schools and streets, every single day,” says Network Mobiliser Mesuli Kama. “When people share the small ways they choose to be there for a child, even when money is tight or life is stressful, it sends a powerful message: care is possible, and it matters.”
“Just One Thing” is part of the wider Hold My Hand campaign, which supports the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC) by putting real-life stories and intergenerational connection at the centre of change. The campaign calls on families, communities, civil society, business and government to make South Africa a place where every child can grow up healthy, safe, supported and able to reach their potential.
Top image:“I am so much looking forward to visiting Gogo’s house, where Baba always pushes us on the swings” Khwezi. (Example of submission)