Wingu Academy

Rethinking Socialisation in Online Schooling: The Innovation the Media Overlooked

For many years, a persistent misconception has clouded public understanding of online schooling: the belief that digital learning environments cannot support healthy social development. Yet the latest global research—and the lived experiences of thousands of families—tells a very different story. When Socialisation Is Designed, Not Assumed Traditional schooling environments rely heavily on incidental socialisation—learners happen to interact because they are placed in the same building. Online schools, by contrast, are forced to design social interaction intentionally, systematically, and measurably. Worldwide innovations now include: This data-informed approach actually enables stronger, healthier, and safer peer networks than many brick-and-mortar environments. Understanding the Real Social Risks in Schools Today Recent media statements have questioned the ability of online schools to develop sociometry. Ironically, the most current data shows that socialisation challenges are far more acute in physical schools: International reports mirror this; syntheses from Kenya show a bullying prevalence of 63–82% in Nairobi public secondary schools. In this national and global context, online schooling is increasingly becoming a protective factor for learners seeking stability, safety, and values alignment. How Wingu Academy Leads South Africa in Modern Socialisation Models At Wingu Academy, socialisation is engineered—not left to chance. Innovations include: In 2026, Wingu will pioneer one of the most advanced sociometric systems in the country. 2026 Social Innovation Roadmap This makes Wingu one of the very few South African schools using real sociometry as a pastoral and instructional tool—not just online schools. The Future of Social Learning Is Digital + Human The emerging research is clear: When digital schools intentionally design, monitor, and nurture social connection, learners thrive—and often socially outperform their traditionally schooled peers. Online schooling isn’t the threat.It’s one of the most promising innovations in learner wellbeing today.

December 17, 2025
Vital Baby

Silent Night? How to Handle Baby Sleep Disruptions During the Holidays

The holiday season is often filled with joyful gatherings, travel, and festive chaos—all of which can disrupt a baby’s usual sleep schedule. Changes in environment, noise levels, and routines can leave parents struggling to soothe a baby who may have trouble settling down.  Experts recommend maintaining as much of the baby’s regular bedtime routine as possible, even while away from home. Familiar cues like a favourite blanket or toy, consistent feeding times, and calming activities can help ease transitions. When visiting family or traveling, creating a quiet, dark sleep environment can counterbalance the sensory overload. Sr Londe, independent midwife and Vital Baby’s trusted advisor, shares, “Holiday disruptions are inevitable, but parents can take active steps to support their baby’s sleep. Keeping routines flexible yet consistent, prioritising soothing rituals, and planning for naps can make a significant difference. Remember, a well-rested baby means a happier holiday for everyone.” Parents can manage holiday baby sleep by: These strategies empower parents to navigate holiday sleep challenges with confidence, maintaining baby’s comfort and well-being amid seasonal festivities.  Vital Baby is a family-run business with over 45 years of experience in the baby industry. Their mission is to create products that make family time effortless and enjoyable for parents. The Vital Baby range is 100% BPA-free and covers every stage of your baby’s development, from feeding and weaning, to hygiene and soothing. Explore the range online at Vital Baby® (vitalbabyshop.co.za) or find at Clicks and Dischem.   

December 17, 2025
Parenting Hub

Say Hello to the Ultimate Holiday Brunch Bite

Ease into the festive season with a breakfast that feels like a little holiday all on its own. Our golden, savoury mushroom and cheese scones are made for those slow December mornings — perfect for two, yet generous enough for the whole family to share. Comforting, nutritious and deeply satisfying, they’re the kind of festive bite that brings everyone to the table (and keeps them there). Mushroom & Cheese Scones Makes 12-15 Ingredients: Method: Preheat oven to 220˚C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper and set aside. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan. Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown and they have released all their moisture. Season. Remove mushrooms from heat and spread out in a single layer onto some paper towel. Cover with another layer of paper towel and gently squeeze any excess moisture out. Place flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and mustard powder into a large mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. Rub the butter into the dry mixture using your fingertips until it resembles wet sand. Add in the cooked mushrooms and toss well so that they are evenly coated with flour. Add in most of the cheese, reserving a scant handful to top the scones. Add in the chives, and stir to combine. Pour in the milk and water and mix until the dough just comes away from the edge of the bowl. Tip on to a very lightly floured surface and bring the dough together into a rectangle pressing it gently together and never kneading or over mixing it. Cut out scones with a fluted cutter. Press excess together gently, avoiding over-mixing. Place scones on a baking tray and brush with the beaten egg mixture. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for about 20 minutes until evenly golden brown and cooked through. Rotate the baking tray half way through the bake for a more even colour and even rise. Allow to cool on a wire rack before breaking open and smearing with a generous amount of butter. Image and Recipe Credit  The South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association

December 17, 2025
Freebees PR

Sexy Socks Reaches One Million School Socks Donated Across South Africa

Sexy Socks, the Cape Town based social enterprise known for its “pair for a pair” mission, has officially donated one million pairs of school socks to children in need across South Africa. The one millionth pair was delivered during the brand’s recent Sock Drop which coincided with its eleventh birthday. Founded by David Hutchison, Sexy Socks operates on a simple model. For every pair of socks purchased, a pair of school socks is donated to a learner who needs them. This milestone represents a decade of consistent delivery, community support, and purpose-driven business. Since day one, Sexy Socks has believed that business should be a force for good. Reaching one million donated pairs is more than a number; it represents one million moments of comfort, dignity, and opportunity for learners across the country.  Founder David Hutchison says the milestone reflects both growth and impact. “The most rewarding part of being a founder is seeing an idea become something that creates real value. Over the years Sexy Socks has grown from a small start-up into a business that supports more than forty families, and delivers meaningful change through every sale. As we reach one million pairs donated, we are grateful for everyone who has supported the mission and helped make this possible.” The company’s focus is to show that everyday purchases can create positive change. Their premium, design-led socks have become popular for personal use and gifting, allowing customers to contribute to a social cause through a simple purchase. “Sexy Socks started as a simple idea and it is incredible to see the scale of impact it has created.” says Hutchison. “Hitting one million donations shows what is possible when people choose to support businesses with purpose. This milestone is not a finish line for us. It is motivation to keep growing our reach and to continue proving that small actions can create real change.”  Beyond donations, Sexy Socks uses each Sock Drop as a chance to connect with learners and reinforce that business can be a force for good. The team shares the message that small actions can make a big difference, and that kindness builds stronger communities. With the one million milestone achieved, Sexy Socks plans to continue expanding its reach, partner with more schools, and grow its retail footprint. The company remains committed to proving that purpose and profit can work together to drive long term social impact, while continuing to embodying their core values of community, kindness, integrity and inclusivity.  About Sexy Socks Sexy Socks is a Cape Town based social enterprise that produces premium design-driven socks. For every pair sold the company donates a pair of school socks to a child in need across South Africa. Sexy Socks has donated more than one million pairs of school socks through its Sock Drops and continues to champion the idea that fashion can be both stylish and socially responsible.  https://buysexysocks.com

December 16, 2025
Freebees PR

Your 2025 festive season survival kit

On paper, the festive season is portrayed as nothing short of celebration, rest, and joy. And while it’s definitely a time for celebrating, the truth is that the festive season also poses unique challenges you don’t necessarily encounter throughout the rest of the year. From navigating family dynamics, to keeping your home clean while the children aren’t at school, to nourishing your hair, skin and body after over-indulgence… The festive season calls for its own type of survival kit, and we’ve compiled it! Here’s how to solve (or at least ease!) some of the challenges you may encounter this December.  An upside-down home Having everyone at home during the festive season means a lot of mess – from a kitchen filled with dishes to beach sand on the floors and messy play areas, the holidays usually involve a lot of cleaning. Maintaining a clean home doesn’t have to mean using harsh and potentially harmful cleaning products. Switching to natural, non-toxic cleaning products is much better for your health (especially if you have children and pets!) and for the environment.  And it doesn’t mean skimping on performance: Earthsap is a leader in natural cleaning products that work quickly and safely. A few favourites include the Earthsap Dishwashing Liquid (which cuts through grease without toxic chemicals), Earthsap Cleaner & Degreaser (a heavy-duty solvent and general cleaner with an excellent dirt and grease cutting formula) and Earthsap Floor & Tile Cleaner (it contains microbials which release organisms, breaking down dirt, fats, and odorous compounds). The stress of family dynamics Spending an evening with that aunt who always comments on your dating life? Too much time with your in-laws? The festive season may be joyous, but for many, it also brings about a lot of stress. You can’t control the actions of those around you, but you can maintain a calm mind and body with the help of aromatherapy. SOiL’s Remedy Rollers allow you to access the benefits of essential oils, no matter where you are. Small and handy, these little rollers can be kept in your pocket or purse, and can be applied directly to pulse points like the wrists or temples.  Try SOiL De-Stress Remedy Roller to reduce tension and restore a calm mind, or SOiL Relax Remedy Roller to help you drift into a peaceful sleep when you have a lot on your mind. Holiday stress takes its toll on the mind and the muscles. Why not ask your partner to massage your neck and shoulders after a long day? SoyLites massage candles contain botanical oils, as well as coconut, shea butter, and grapeseed oil, for extra slip. The melted “wax” has the perfect consistency for a massage, the candles smell beautiful, and the botanical oils offer much-needed aromatherapy benefits. We recommend SoyLites Relaxation Massage Candle, which combines the benefits of neroli, lemongrass and cedarwood for a calming effect.  An uneasy gut The festive season goes hand in hand with overindulgence. Whether it’s all the roasted foods, the desserts or the drinks, most of us could use a little help when it comes to our gut. To maintain healthy digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and support a strong immune system, it’s essential to take a high-quality probiotic every day. Velobiotics is unique in that it uses patented microencapsulation technology that protects probiotics throughout the digestive process and releases them in the colon. They offer several targeted formulas to suit various wellness needs. Velobiotics His-Biotics is a daily supplement designed specifically for men’s health. The advanced formula combines powerful probiotics with essential vitamins and minerals to support vitality from the inside out. Its female counterpart, Velobiotics Her-Biotics, optimises gut health, boosts immunity and promotes hormonal health. A quick fix for spills Whether it’s for melted ice cream, a runny nose or a cold drink spill, moms know the power of the humble wet wipe. But wet wipes are not just intended for babies and toddlers – they’re a handy item to keep at home or in the car to remove stickiness on your hands or clean up a spill, fast. We love Vital Baby Hygiene Wipes – hypoallergenic and ultra-gentle, they offer a fast solution for messes and dirty hands.  Summer holiday skin Endless hours next to the pool or at the beach, party makeup and the heat of the summer sun can lead to tired, oily and dehydrated skin. Keep your skin in tip-top condition this festive season by always – and we mean always – removing makeup at night, applying plenty of moisture and protecting it with a broad-spectrum SPF daily.  If removing your makeup feels like a chore, try SKNLOGIC Probiotic Micellar Water. It gently lifts away dirt, oil, makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture or disrupting its delicate balance. If your skin feels hot and tired during the day, treat it with a nourishing and hydrating facial mist. SOiL’s range of Facial Mists is crafted from certified organic hydrosols and is available in four variants. The Rosemary Facial Mist not only gives the skin a natural boost, but its aromatherapy benefits are known to contribute to mental clarity. In addition to the skincare benefits, it also offers immediate cooling and a feeling of refreshment. If your skin feels dehydrated from all the sun exposure, apply a serum rich in hydrating hyaluronic acid, like thebeautyworX Multifunctional Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, which also has antioxidant and anti-pollution benefits. Remedies for tired hair Much like the skin, our hair can also become tired, lacklustre and dry due to sun exposure, sea water and the general neglect that sometimes creeps in when we’re on a carefree holiday. For dry curls or scalps, we recommend Two Oceans Coconut Oil and Argan Curl Quench Shampoo and Conditioner. These vegan formulas are enriched with Moroccan argan oil to soften, moisturise and smooth the hair and scalp, while quenching thirst. For the little ones, try Jungle Beat 2-In-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, crafted with 90% natural ingredients and infused with argan oil for softer,

December 16, 2025
DIBBER SA

Are We Over-Scheduling Our Children?

Finding the Balance Between Activities and Free Play – a reminder from Dibber South Africa From ballet to ball skills, phonics to piano, many South African children today lead lives as tightly scheduled as their parents. While every activity may have merit, too many structured commitments can crowd out the simple, sacred space of childhood: free play. “In our pursuit of giving children the best start, we sometimes forget that rest, imagination, and unstructured time are just as vital as academics or sport,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber South Africa. “Free play is not wasted time. It’s how children develop emotional strength, social intelligence, and a sense of self.” The Rush of Childhood Today Across Dibber campuses, educators observe the increasing pressure children face. South African parents – many juggling careers, households, and aspirations – enrol children in numerous enrichment activities with the best of intentions. But when every moment is programmed, children may feel overwhelmed rather than inspired. At Dibber, play isn’t seen as a break from learning – it is learning. And not just in the classroom. Children need time to imagine, explore, and be fully themselves without adult instruction or end goals. That’s where free play holds its quiet power. What Is Free Play – and Why Does It Matter? Free play is child-led, open-ended, and spontaneous. It’s found in games invented on the fly, make-believe shops, sandcastles in the garden, and treehouse adventures. With no adult-imposed structure, free play fosters independence, resilience, and creativity. “When a child builds a fort with couch cushions or becomes a superhero for the day, they’re not just playing – they’re solving problems, expressing feelings, and stretching their cognitive muscles,” explains Assis. “It’s a vital ingredient in holistic development.” Balancing Structure with Breathing Room Of course, structured activities have their place. They teach discipline, coordination, and commitment. But overscheduling can lead to fatigue, anxiety, or even disinterest. “Balance is key,” says Assis. “Children need time to reflect, to follow their own curiosity, and to rest. That’s when deeper learning takes place.” Dibber educators often observe how children return from free play with better focus, improved social cooperation, and renewed energy. “We don’t need to cancel structure – just make space for childhood too,” she adds. The Power of Play in South Africa’s Diverse Communities In a country as vibrant and multicultural as South Africa, free play also becomes a bridge between cultures and backgrounds. On playgrounds and parks, children connect beyond language, using games and laughter to build empathy and shared understanding. Whether climbing trees in KwaZulu-Natal, riding scooters in the Western Cape, or building with blocks in Gauteng, children across the country benefit from time to explore their environment freely and safely. Simple Ways to Make Room for Free Play Let’s Bring Childhood Back into Focus At Dibber, childhood is honoured as a phase of life with its own value – not just a preparation for what’s to come. That’s why Dibber centres prioritise play-based learning, not just as a teaching tool but as a way of respecting each child’s inner world. “Free play gives children the room to explore who they are and where they fit in the world,” says Assis. “It fosters the kind of confidence, emotional intelligence, and joy that no class can replicate.” As the school year winds down and families look ahead to holidays or the next academic chapter, it’s the perfect time to reassess the calendar – and intentionally leave space for daydreams, backyard adventures, and moments of spontaneous joy. Because sometimes, the best thing we can schedule for our children… is nothing at all.

December 16, 2025
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