SA Diabetes Advocacy

Every child deserves a safe night’s sleep: 10 000 voices for life-saving diabetes technology for South African children

Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes understand the anxiety of waking their sleeping children to perform finger prick tests to check their glucose levels all too well. And while no parent wants to wake their sleeping child, the alternative is life threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. Type 1 diabetes is a difficult illness to manage, especially for children who are subjected to finger pricks, insulin injections and interrupted sleep. But Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), could change and save lives. A campaign calling on the National Department of Health to include CGM devices in South Africa’s public healthcare system to children under 18, is gathering steam. CGM devices are internationally recognised as the standard of care, tracking glucose levels around the clock, and without the need for painful finger pricks. “This continuous glucose monitor not only aids in checking glucose levels but has saved my daughter’s life on multiple occasions from dangerous glucose events. The warning alarm gives us enough time to act in the midst of being on the road and in our busy lives,” says Monique Abrahams whose six-year old daughter lives with Type 1 diabetes. Using the CGM, they’ve been able to bring her HbA1c level down from 14 to six, a dramatic turnaround. HbA1c (short for haemoglobin A1c) is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, doctors usually aim for a result below seven to reduce the long-term risk of diabetes related complications. “The sensor has taught my 6-year old how to make meal choices when I am not present and also takes the burden off the educator. The use of the sensor should not be optional – it is mandatory,” she says. “A CGM means that children and parents can enjoy peace of mind, and don’t have to interrupt play, learning, or sleep, which is so important to cognitive development and well-being,” says Kirsten de Klerk, Co-Founder of SA Diabetes Advocacy.  Director of SA Diabetes Advocacy, Shiara Pillay was diagnosed with diabetes as a child. Her CGM has changed her life and she says that its impact would have been monumental in her childhood. “My conversations with my doctors have improved so much because they have more data on my trends and reactions. Using a CGM has allowed me to focus on other things happening in my life without worrying so much about where my blood sugars are heading – I can exercise more freely, explore what foods work best and just be present in my daily activities.” “I was diagnosed with diabetes just before my 10th birthday – a CGM then would have helped take away the pressure of getting every single decision I made (as a 10 year old) right!  The benefit of a CGM as a child would have been really impactful in the journey we all go through to find acceptance and confidently manage our condition,” she says. The #CGMAccess petition: Earlier this year, SA Diabetes Advocacy, in partnership with Diabetes SA, Sweet Life, Kids Powered by Insulin, YT1, SEMDSA, Paeds-SA, Diabetes Alliance, and FIND, launched a petition to compel the government to act. It has garnered just over 6800 signatures so far. The petition will be handed over at the 2025 Diabetes Summit on 11 November and the partners are rallying to get it to 10 000 signatures before then. CGM technology is not just life-changing for families, but is a smart investment for the Department of Health. Research by Discovery Health in South Africa found that members who claimed for CGM devices had better blood sugar control and went to hospital less than those who didn’t claim for a device. That study found that 64.9% of children using the devices had normal HbA1c results, compared with 39.2% of children who did not claim for a device. “Better management of diabetes also translates into fewer complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss and heart disease- all of which carry significant treatment costs for the state,”De Klerk says. 100 signatures a day: With the handover date about a month away, the petition needs over 100 new signatures per day to reach the 10 000 signature target. To be one of the 100, go to https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/cgm-access-petition to sign.  “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, to go to school without fear, and to sleep safely at night. CGM makes that possible,” De Klerk says.

October 14, 2025
Freebees PR

iNGENiO Digital Art to develop future fluency in Gen Alpha kids

In a world progressing faster than parents can keep up, worry for our children and their relationship with tech is at an all-time high. Not wanting kids to be left behind in the digital world, access to screens starts at a younger and younger age. But with so much of their focus being sucked into mindless scrolling, how much benefit are kids getting from being online? In an increasingly competitive future-work environment, studies are showing that what will set a person apart is their ability to be creative – no matter the field. But how do kids develop creativity when their tech is doing so much of it for them? When they are spending too much time consuming content instead of creating it?  Enter iNGENiO.  Imagined, designed, and launched in South Africa, iNGENiO is reimagining art education for the next generation.​ iNGENiO is a digital art curriculum for children aged 5-15 that combines art, technology, and emotional intelligence in a way no one else does—giving home-schoolers, parents, after-school programs as well as schools a ready-to-use digital art curriculum that’s both beautifully creative and deeply developmental. At its heart, iNGENiO helps children become creators, not just consumers. “We’re not just teaching kids to draw. We’re teaching them to think, to express, to lead—and to believe that their voice matters.” Explains Meg Massingham, iNGENiO Co-Founder and Curriculum Director. “This is a digital arts platform that seamlessly blends art, technology, and social-emotional learning to raise creative, competent, and confident Gen Alpha kids!” iNGENiO offers a range of fully plug-and-play modules and resources designed to teach digital art skills while promoting creativity, problem-solving, and artistic expression in a Safe Tech Environment. Tailored for both individual learners and schools, the platform complements traditional art education and aligns with educational curriculums, emphasizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTS, and Mathematics) to help students develop both technical and creative abilities.  “Creativity is a skill, not a mystery. And with iNGENiO, every child can grow it.” Says Massingham. “This isn’t mindless screen time—it’s art plus tech plus heart. And that changes everything.” In addition to fostering artistic growth, iNGENiO integrates socio-emotional learning and digital citizenship into its offerings, preparing students to thrive in a connected, digital world. This platform was built by artists, psychologists, educators and tech experts to maximise benefit to children, while providing a ready-made offering for parents and teachers that requires no prep or specialist training.  Why does this matter now? The world our children are growing up in is digital, visual, fast-changing—and often emotionally overwhelming. Schools, teachers and parents are under pressure to keep up, rarely with enough resources to do so.  iNGENiO equips children with the tools to: This isn’t about ‘screen time’—it’s about future fluency. It’s about turning devices into tools of imagination and emotional growth.  What Makes iNGENiO Different Sun Valley Primary School in Cape Town adopted iNGENiO in 2022. Within a year, two students placed in the Top 3 of a national art competition,and the teacher who had never taught digital art is now confidently leading creative projects with her class.Schools report higher engagement, better confidence, and more meaningful tech use.  Who iNGENiO Helps iNGENiO is committed to growing their presence by partnering with schools, participating in key education events, and leveraging their networks to collaborate and partner with link-minded individuals and companies.  For more information, visit https://ingenioeducation.com

October 14, 2025
DIBBER SA

Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Building Blocks for Confident, Capable Children

From the moment a baby learns to grasp a finger or kick their legs, they are beginning a journey of movement that will shape their development for years to come. At Dibber International Preschools South Africa, these early milestones are recognised not just as cute moments, but as critical indicators of a child’s physical, cognitive, and social growth. In its latest educational guide for parents and caregivers, Dibber unpacks the difference between fine motor skills — small, coordinated movements like picking up a pencil or tying shoelaces — and gross motor skills, which include larger physical actions like crawling, jumping, and running. “These two areas of development work hand-in-hand,” explains Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber South Africa. “By supporting both types of movement through intentional play and daily routines, we help young children build the physical confidence and independence they need to explore their world and thrive within it.” Fine motor skills involve subtle, precise actions that rely on hand-eye coordination and visual-motor integration. Gross motor skills, in contrast, depend on larger muscle groups — engaging the arms, legs, spine, and core — and are essential for mobility and spatial awareness. Together, these skills form the foundation for everyday tasks like eating, writing, dressing, and playing — all of which contribute to a child’s readiness for school and life beyond. “We may not think twice about actions like turning a page or climbing a set of stairs,” adds Assis, “but for a child, these are hard-won milestones that build resilience, control, and self-esteem.” Age-Appropriate Milestones The guide breaks down typical developmental milestones from birth to age six, helping parents identify what skills to look out for — and when to expect them. For example: Recognising these milestones helps caregivers ensure children are on track while identifying opportunities for early support if needed. Everyday Spaces, Everyday Movement The release also encourages families to explore local outdoor environments as natural playgrounds for gross and fine motor development. Parks, beaches, and reserves across South Africa — from Johannesburg’s Delta Park to Durban’s family-friendly coastlines — provide the perfect settings for children to climb, balance, build, and move. “Our message to parents is simple: movement is learning,” says Assis. “Whether it’s scootering through a park or stacking blocks at home, every action strengthens the brain-body connection that drives future learning.” Dibber’s Commitment to Holistic Development At Dibber International Preschools, movement is more than physical activity — it is woven into every aspect of the child’s learning journey. Educators create rich, sensory environments where both gross and fine motor skills are encouraged through daily activities, purposeful play, and guided exploration. “We look at the whole child — not just what they can write or say, but how they move, how they explore, how they express,” explains Assis. “Supporting motor skill development gives children the tools to build confidence, independence, and a deep sense of competence that lasts a lifetime.” For more information on Dibber’s approach to early learning and development, or to find a preschool near you, visit www.dibber.co.za.

October 14, 2025
Parenting Hub

Creative Ways to Sneak Veggies into Kids’ Meals

Getting children to enjoy vegetables can be a challenge for many parents. However, with a bit of creativity, it’s possible to incorporate more greens and other nutritious vegetables into their diets without the usual resistance. Here are some inventive strategies to make veggies more appealing to kids. 1. Blend Veggies into Sauces and Soups Pureeing vegetables like carrots, spinach, or cauliflower and blending them into sauces or soups can be an effective way to introduce them into meals. For instance, adding pureed sweet potatoes to mac and cheese or blending spinach into tomato sauce can enhance the nutritional value without altering the taste significantly Thriving Home. 2. Incorporate Veggies into Baked Goods Baked goods are an excellent medium for sneaking in vegetables. Adding grated zucchini or carrots to muffins, pancakes, or brownies not only boosts their nutritional content but also adds moisture and sweetness. Recipes like chocolate banana muffins or pumpkin French toast are popular choices among kids Thriving Home. 3. Use Veggies in Smoothies Smoothies are a great way to combine fruits and vegetables in a palatable form. Adding ingredients like spinach, kale, or avocado to a fruit smoothie can mask the taste of the vegetables while providing essential nutrients. A peanut butter banana smoothie with added greens is a favorite among many children Meal Village. 4. Create Veggie-Based Snacks Transforming vegetables into fun and appealing snacks can entice kids to eat them. For example, making veggie nuggets with finely chopped vegetables like zucchini and sweet potatoes can be both nutritious and enjoyable. Similarly, carrot cake pancakes or chocolate protein muffins can serve as tasty treats that incorporate hidden vegetables My Kids Lick The Bowl. 5. Make Veggies Visually Appealing Presenting vegetables in an attractive and fun way can encourage children to try them. Using cookie cutters to shape vegetables into stars, hearts, or other fun shapes can make them more enticing. Additionally, arranging vegetables in colorful and creative patterns on the plate can pique a child’s interest and make mealtime more enjoyable Allrecipes. 6. Serve Veggies in Familiar Dishes Incorporating vegetables into dishes that children already enjoy can make them more acceptable. Adding finely chopped mushrooms to sloppy joes or mixing shredded zucchini into pizza sauce can enhance the meal’s nutritional value without compromising on taste EatingWell. 7. Involve Kids in Cooking Engaging children in the cooking process can increase their interest in trying new foods. Allowing them to help with washing, peeling, or mixing vegetables can make them more excited about eating what they’ve prepared. This involvement can also provide opportunities to educate them about the benefits of eating a variety of vegetables. By employing these creative strategies, parents can help their children develop a taste for vegetables and ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. Sources:

October 14, 2025
Cartoon Network Africa

Get Ready for New Teen Titans Go! Adventures! 🦸‍♂️✨

Ever wondered what your favourite superheroes do when they’re not saving the world? Find out in the brand-new episodes of Teen Titans Go!, where Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, and Changeling take you behind the scenes of their daily lives — with plenty of laughs along the way! In this batch of episodes, the Titans get up to hilarious antics: It’s comedy, chaos, and superhero fun all rolled into one! 📺 Premiere: Monday, 13 October 2025⏰ Tune-In: Monday to Friday @ 17:10 CAT Don’t miss this chance to see your favourite Teen Titans in a whole new light — silly, relatable, and more hilarious than ever!

October 13, 2025
Parenting Hub

Turning Chores into Fun Games for the Whole Family

Household chores often come with groans and resistance, especially from younger family members. However, transforming these tasks into engaging games can make them more enjoyable and foster a sense of teamwork. Here are some creative strategies to turn everyday chores into fun activities for the entire family. 🎯 1. Timed Challenges Introduce a sense of urgency and excitement by setting a timer for specific chores. Challenge family members to complete tasks before the timer runs out. This approach not only adds a playful element but also encourages efficiency. For example, setting a 10-minute timer to tidy up the living room can make the task feel like a race against time brightpathkids.com. 🧩 2. Chore Bingo Create bingo cards with various chores listed in each square. As family members complete tasks, they mark off the corresponding squares. The first person to complete a line or fill the entire card wins a prize. This game adds a competitive edge and motivates everyone to participate Sunshine and Munchkins. 🎵 3. Cleaning Dance Party Turn on some upbeat music and encourage everyone to dance while cleaning. This not only makes the chore more enjoyable but also adds an element of physical activity. Dancing while dusting or vacuuming can lighten the mood and make the task feel less like work brightpathkids.com. 🎲 4. Roll-the-Job Dice Assign each number on a dice to a specific chore. Family members take turns rolling the dice and must complete the chore corresponding to the number rolled. This random assignment adds an element of surprise and fairness, ensuring that no one is always stuck with the least desirable tasks brightpathkids.com. 🏆 5. Chore Leaderboard Create a leaderboard to track completed chores and assign points for each task. At the end of the week, the person with the most points can earn a reward, such as choosing the family’s movie night film or receiving a small treat. This system encourages friendly competition and accountability leaderboarded.com. 🧠 6. Habitica App For tech-savvy families, the Habitica app gamifies chores by turning them into quests. Family members can create avatars, earn points for completing tasks, and unlock rewards. This app adds a digital twist to chore time, making it more engaging for older children and teenagers Reddit. 🧹 7. Chore Scavenger Hunt List everyday items that need to be found and put away, such as shoes, magazines, or toys. Set a timer and have family members race to collect and return the items to their rightful places. The person who collects the most items within the time limit wins the game Acorns. 🎯 8. Chore Tic-Tac-Toe Create a tic-tac-toe grid where each square represents a different chore. Family members take turns completing a chore and marking the corresponding square. The first to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins. This game adds a strategic element to chore time Skillmatics US. 🧒 9. Toddler-Sized Tasks For younger children, assign simple tasks like sorting toys by color or matching socks. Provide child-sized cleaning tools to make them feel included and capable. These small tasks can help instill a sense of responsibility and accomplishment from an early age brightpathkids.com. 🧺 10. Laundry Sorting Race Turn laundry sorting into a race by challenging family members to sort clothes by color, size, or type as quickly as possible. The person who finishes first wins a point or a small prize. This game makes the often tedious task of folding laundry more enjoyable brightpathkids.com. By incorporating these fun games into your household routine, chores can become a more enjoyable and collaborative experience for the whole family. Not only do these activities make tasks more engaging, but they also foster teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. So, next time it’s time to clean up, turn it into a game and watch the chores get done with smiles all around.

October 13, 2025
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