Join Warren Farrer and special guest Tshepo Mantje from Real Reform for ECD as they explore the vital role of men in early childhood development (ECD) on this episode of the "Do More Podcast." Tshepo shares his personal journey into ECD, reflecting on his early years and the profound impact of his grandmother's influence.

The conversation begins with a playful anecdote from Warren, setting a light-hearted tone before delving into the more serious topic of male leadership in the non-profit sector. Tshepo recounts his experiences and challenges as a man in ECD, highlighting the cultural misconceptions about masculinity and nurturing roles.

Listeners will gain insights into how men can break stereotypes and barriers in nurturing roles, with Tshepo emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and nurturing oneself as a pathway to nurturing others. He shares stories of his role models and the influence of peers and mentors who demonstrated softer, nurturing qualities.

The episode also covers the unique challenges and opportunities men face in ECD leadership roles, with Tshepo discussing how societal expectations can be shifted through understanding and practice. He provides practical advice for women to support men in nurturing roles, encouraging them to create environments that foster play and connection.

Warren and Tshepo discuss the power of play as an access point for men to engage with children, using examples from community projects like the Bubbonisa Show Them campaign. The conversation underscores the transformative impact of play in early childhood development and how men can leverage their natural inclinations towards play to support ECD initiatives.

Tshepo's closing remarks offer encouragement to men considering entering the ECD sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the holistic nature of early childhood development and respecting the foundational work of those who have come before. His personal anecdotes and reflections provide a compelling narrative that inspires listeners to engage in ECD advocacy and support.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the critical role of men in early childhood development and how their involvement can drive meaningful change in communities. Join us for the next enlightening episode as we continue to explore avenues for doing more in our communities.

Join Kabelo and special guest Tshepo Mantje from Real Reform for ECD as they delve into the world of advocacy in the community on this episode of the "Do More Podcast." Tshepo shares insights into their movement advocating for holistic, well-funded, quality, and inclusive early childhood development services in South Africa.

Kabelo kicks off the conversation with a thought-provoking question about historical figures, setting the stage for a deep dive into advocacy strategies. Tshepo shares the journey of Real Reform, from mobilizing 1600 submissions to Parliament to fostering community collaborations with organizations like the Do More Foundation.

The conversation unfolds with stories of success in communities like Pongola, Nkomazi, Worcester, and Rustenburg, showcasing the tangible impact of grassroots advocacy. Tshepo emphasizes the importance of capacity-building within communities and the power of collaboration in effecting change.

Listeners gain valuable insights into navigating challenges, such as diverse community agendas, and the art of translating complex advocacy concepts into actionable steps for grassroots practitioners. Tshepo's admiration for historical figures like Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe adds a reflective touch, highlighting the resilience needed in advocacy work.

Tune in to learn about the lessons learned in community advocacy, the importance of patience, and the transformative power of collaboration in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. This episode inspires listeners to engage in advocacy efforts and join the movement for positive societal impact.

Join us for the next enlightening episode as we continue to explore avenues for doing more in our communities.

"Turning Waste into Play: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships"

In this engaging episode of "Do More Podcast," hosts Iris and Marietjie from CHEP delve into the fascinating world of turning waste into purposeful projects. They kick off with a playful check-in question about inventing something to make life happier, setting the tone for a lively discussion.

Marietjie introduces the partnership between CHEP and Do More, highlighting their innovative project, "Do More Play," which transforms wood waste into toys for early childhood development centers, crafted by differently-abled individuals. The conversation dives into the lessons learned from such strategic partnerships, emphasizing the immense value of collaboration in driving impactful change.

They explore how such initiatives inspire and engage employees internally, tying the company's values to real-world impact and sustainability through circular economy principles.

Looking to the future, Marietjie envisions exponential growth for these projects, showcasing their proven success and potential for broader implementation. She challenges other businesses with excess inventory to find value in their waste, echoing the transformative journey they've experienced.

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude for the partnership and a humorous exchange about inventing transportation devices, highlighting the genuine camaraderie and shared vision driving their collaborative efforts. Overall, it's a celebration of partnerships that drive positive change, one toy car at a time.