Our Voice, our future, Stories of hope to bring change

Breadline Africa
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"Welcome to Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa—a podcast where real voices tell real stories that inspire change. This dynamic series brings together changemakers, influencers, journalists, children, community members, politicians, NGOs, and more to discuss the issues that matter most.
 With a commitment to inclusivity and community-led dialogue, Our Voice, Our Future provides a platform for crucial social issues, amplifying voices from diverse communities to spark awareness and drive action. Through meaningful discussions, we aim to educate, empower, and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
 Join us for this compelling journey as we explore, educate, and inform through stories and conversations that empower communities to create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference."

  1. Jun 24

    S2 Ep 3: Designing for Childhood: How Community Planning Shapes Child Wellbeing

    What if the most important investment we could make in our children wasn't inside the classroom, but outside it? In this episode of Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa, host Kelly Morkel sits down with Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews to explore how urban planning can become one of the most powerful tools for improving early childhood development and creating stronger communities. From safe walking routes and accessible green spaces to neighbourhoods where Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and schools become community anchors, this conversation examines how the places children grow up influence the adults they become. The discussion also highlights Cape Town's efforts to strengthen the ECD sector, including support for more than 2,600 ECD centres and initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to registration and improving access for families. Together, Kelly and Deputy Mayor Andrews unpack the role of government, communities, civil society and the private sector in creating child-friendly cities that are safer, healthier and more inclusive. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, urban planner or community leader, this episode offers practical insights into why designing cities for children means designing a better future for everyone. Research & Articles UNICEF South Africa – Early Childhood Development
https://www.unicef.org/southafrica
 Children's Institute, University of Cape Town – South African Child Gauge
https://ci.uct.ac.za
 Department of Basic Education – Early Childhood Development
https://www.education.gov.za

 Cape Town Today – Building the Future: Cape Town's Drive to Transform Early Childhood Development
https://capetown.today/news/building-the-future-cape-towns-drive-to-transform-early-childhood-development

    S2 Ep 3: Designing for Childhood: How Community Planning Shapes Child Wellbeing

  2. May 27

    S2 Ep2: The Device on Your Desk and the Child Who Needs It: How Circular Thinking is Closing Two Divides at Once

    What if the laptop gathering dust in your office storeroom could become a child’s gateway to learning? In this episode of Our Voice, Our Future, we explore the powerful intersection of digital inclusion, education equity, and sustainability with Karin Boomsma, circular economy strategist and sustainability advocate from DigiCircle4All and TheRockGroup. We unpack how circular technology solutions are helping to bridge both the digital divide and the opportunity divide, transforming retired corporate devices into educational tools while creating skills development and employment pathways for young people trained in device refurbishment. Articles Circular Economy & E-Waste Digi Circlel 4 all DigiCircle4all resource World Economic Forum – A New Circular Vision for Electronics https://www.weforum.org Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Economy and Electronics https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org UNICEF – Digital Learning and the Education Divide https://www.unicef.org OECD – Bridging the Digital Divide in Education https://www.oecd.org South African Government – E-Waste and Digital Inclusion Policies https://www.gov.za

    S2 Ep2: The Device on Your Desk and the Child Who Needs It: How Circular Thinking is Closing Two Divides at Once

  3. Apr 17

    S2 Ep 1: The Inner World of Young Minds in a Noisy World Feat: Kayang Gagiano and Lisa Voortman

    Our Voice, Our Future (Powered by Breadline Africa) Season 2 Episode 1: The Inner World of Young Minds in a Noisy World In today’s fast-moving, overstimulated world, childhood is changing. In this episode of Our Voice, Our Future, host Kayang Gagiano, Chief Partnerships Officer at The Reach Trust, is joined by Lisa Voortman, Co-Founder of Grow ECD, to explore the emotional lives of young children growing up in increasingly “noisy” environments. From digital overload and social comparison to bullying and emotional safety, this conversation unpacks how modern pressures shape early childhood and what caregivers, educators, and communities can do to create calmer, more nurturing spaces where children can truly thrive. Resources & Further Reading Grow ECD: https://www.growecd.org.za Breadline Africa: https://breadlineafrica.org The Reach Trust: https://www.thereachtrust.org/ Produced by Creafluence Pty Ltd

    S2 Ep 1: The Inner World of Young Minds in a Noisy World Feat: Kayang Gagiano and Lisa Voortman

  4. Apr 13

    S2 Ep 1: The Inner World of Young Minds in a Noisy World_Teaser

    The season opens with a deeply personal exploration of childhood in the modern age. Today’s children are growing up in environments filled with constant stimulation, digital noise, social comparison, emotional pressure, and rapid change. Beneath the surface, many are quietly asking questions they don’t yet have the language to express: Am I safe? Am I seen? Do I belong? This episode steps into that inner world. We explore how anxiety, overstimulation, exclusion, and bullying shape emotional development, not always through overt harm, but often through silence, disconnection, and unmet needs for belonging. Guest: Kayang Gagiano, Chief Partnerships Officer at The Reach Trust Lia Voortman, Co-Founder and Director of Grow ECD

    S2 Ep 1: The Inner World of Young Minds in a Noisy World_Teaser

  5. Mar 16

    Ep 4 Recap: Dare to Dream – Greg Bertish (Recap)

    In this recap episode of Our Voice, Our Future, we reflect on one of the most inspiring conversations of the season, our discussion with ocean adventurer, heart surgery survivor and founder of The Little Optimist Trust, Greg Bertish. Greg’s story reminds us that dreaming is not just about imagining a different future; it is about choosing hope, even in the most difficult moments. After spending nearly 200 days in hospital fighting a life-threatening illness, Greg rebuilt his life through courage, purpose and a deep connection to the ocean. In this episode recap, we revisit the powerful themes from our conversation: resilience in the face of adversity, the healing power of the sea, and how one person’s dream can create real change for thousands of children. We also look back at how Greg turned his experiences into the beloved Little Optimist children’s books and a movement that is bringing sailing therapy, optimism and educational support to under-resourced schools and hospitals across South Africa. At its heart, this episode reminds us that when children are given hope, opportunity and imagination, their futures can change. If you believe in the power of dreaming big and helping the next generation do the same, this recap is one to listen to. Learn more about Greg’s work:
 🌊 www.thelittleoptimist.org Support the work of Breadline Africa:
 📚 www.breadlineafrica.org

  6. Feb 8

    Ep 3 Recap:The Power of Literacy

    In this episode of Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa, we examine the transformative role of literacy in shaping children’s futures. With 82% of South African Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning, the literacy crisis demands urgent attention. We speak with Derek Carelse from The Little Issue, a pioneering initiative providing free, curriculum-aligned reading material to young learners, and Dorette Louw from Book Dash, a non-profit dedicated to making high-quality, diverse children’s books accessible to under-resourced communities. Together, these voices highlight why literacy is not only a foundational skill, but a critical driver of equity, opportunity, and imagination.

  7. 12/19/2025

    Episode 2 Recap: The Pit Toilet Crisis

    This episode asked a question no child should ever have to answer: Is it safe to use the toilet at school? In Episode 2 of Our Voice, Our Future, we looked beyond the statistics and into the lived reality of thousands of South African children still forced to use unsafe pit toilets. From the tragic deaths that shocked the nation to the many unreported injuries and fears that shape everyday school life, this conversation exposed a crisis rooted in inequality, neglect, and broken accountability. Together with our guest, we unpacked why the pit toilet crisis has persisted for so long, how unsafe sanitation affects children’s health, education, and dignity, especially for girls, and what real, practical solutions can look like in schools without access to water. Most importantly, this episode reminded us that safe sanitation is not a luxury. It is a basic human right. 🎧 If you missed it, this is the conversation you need to hear.
 📢 If you’ve listened, this is the one to share. Powered by Breadline Africa. #OurVoiceOurFuture #SafeSchools #EndPitToilets #SanitationForAll #EducationMatters #HumanRights

  8. 11/24/2025

    Ep 1: Africa’s Nurturing Care Deficit — Why the Nurturing Care Framework Matters for Every Child_RECAP

    “If we change the beginning of the story, we change the whole story.” For millions of children across Africa, that beginning is still marked by gaps in nurturing care, gaps that threaten their ability to thrive. The Nurturing Care Framework, a global strategy to ensure every child survives, grows, and reaches their full potential, offers a clear roadmap. Yet despite its promise, many children continue to face systemic barriers that hold them back. In this episode, we speak with Patricia Martin-Wiesner, an expert in policy, organisational development, advocacy, and systems strengthening, with a focus on rights-based governance and human capital development. Join us as we unpack why nurturing care is essential, what’s at stake if we fail to act, and how collective action can create a brighter, more equitable future for Africa’s children.

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"Welcome to Our Voice, Our Future, powered by Breadline Africa—a podcast where real voices tell real stories that inspire change. This dynamic series brings together changemakers, influencers, journalists, children, community members, politicians, NGOs, and more to discuss the issues that matter most.
 With a commitment to inclusivity and community-led dialogue, Our Voice, Our Future provides a platform for crucial social issues, amplifying voices from diverse communities to spark awareness and drive action. Through meaningful discussions, we aim to educate, empower, and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
 Join us for this compelling journey as we explore, educate, and inform through stories and conversations that empower communities to create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference."

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