Chery and UNICEF: Building children’s confidence and resilience for a successful future
UNICEF and Chery Automobile are helping transform education for every child in South Africa
In today’s rapidly evolving life and job market, 21st-century competencies like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication matter now more than ever as essential skills for children like Thandolwethu, regardless of the future life and career path they want to pursue.
UNICEF/UNI960834/Vumani Mkhize
“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor”
Thandolwethu Sibanyoni, a learner at Philemon Montsho Primary School outside Pretoria.
These non-technical, interpersonal "soft skills" are vital for navigating social situations, boosting resilience, fostering creativity, and improving problem-solving abilities. Developing them helps children build resilience, long-term adaptability and, ultimately, success in future life and work.
It is for this reason that UNICEF South Africa, in partnership with Chery Automobile, is supporting the South African Department of Basic Education to strengthen the national system to measure these soft skills.
“It is critical that children are assessed not just on academics, but also on skills. Together, Chery and UNICEF are focusing on this in order to allow children complete their education and thrive in a constantly evolving environment.”
UNICEF/UNI960900/Vumani Mkhize
“I've learned critical thinking, how to be creative and unique, how to work well with others and how important it is to be nice to the people around. I've also learned how to communicate my ideas properly and show people what I'm thinking and to also listen to what people have to say,"
12-year-old Mary-Anne Igwe, a learner at Lyndhurst Primary School
As more children continue to sharpen their competencies and soft skills, UNICEF remains committed to sharing solutions that prepare every child to thrive.
