Nappy Run advances the rights of children with disabilities
“The public has been generous since our first nappy raising event seven years ago.”
The 2017 Nappy Run campaign, which highlights the challenges children with disabilities face, has begun.
The campaign started on October 1 and will run until the end of November.
During this campaign the South African National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), based in Edenvale, hopes to draw on public support to assist children in need.
The highlight of the campaign will be a fun run through the grounds of the Johannesburg Zoo.
The 5km run will be held on November 4 at 9am and registration starts at 7am.
Entry fee for the event is R90 for adults and R45 for children.
“The public has been generous since our first nappy raising event seven years ago,” said NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.
She urged community members to donate money or nappies during the campaign and to take their donations to the Johannesburg Zoo fun run.
All nappies are distributed, through the NCPD, to disadvantaged communities across South Africa.
“Children with disabilities face a tough road on the way to adulthood. Many of these children are marginalised. This severely compromises their right to education, to developing optimally and to normal, healthy social interaction,” said Wentzel.
She said by not receiving an education, the children will face challenges, such as unemployment.
The annual Nappy Run sets out to transform the reality of South African children with disabilities, especially those in disadvantaged and impoverished communities.
“Disabled children face multiple barriers that get in the way of them accessing even their most basic human rights,” said Wentzel.
The NCPD’s goal is to help people understand how the rights of children with disabilities are violated.
An important part of the Nappy Run is the call to South Africans to donate nappies, or money so that nappies can be bought for children.
Wentzel said disabilities often lead to a loss of bladder control.
She said children with disabilities have a disproportionately high need for nappies.
“We invite everyone to help by either donating nappies or making donations for nappies,” said Wentzel.
For more information contact the NCPD on 011 452 2774 or email info@nappyrun.org.za
