Since Child Protection Week (29 May to 5 June 2026), the Every Life Matters production has reached around 4 000 children at schools with a simple but powerful message: every child’s life has value.

Show on the Road began earlier this year when 17 children from Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom, under the guidance of actor Louis Minnaar, staged a drama production for Child Protection Week.

For project co-ordinator Charnel Oberholzer, it was a particularly meaningful project. “Every performance gave me an opportunity to remind the children that they are seen and that their lives matter,” she says.

According to Charnel, the response from children at the schools was especially rewarding. “If even one child walks away knowing that he or she matters, then every kilometre travelled, every hour of preparation and every challenge was worth it.”

She also acknowledges the important role Louis Minnaar played in the project. “Louis gave himself wholeheartedly to this project. From day one, he was always willing to share his time, knowledge and experience.”

Charnel hopes to build on the success of the project, and planning for the Christmas Road Show is already well under way. “The aim is to reach even more people during the festive season with a message of love, hope and joy,” she says.

For Charnel, the central message remains simple: “You matter. Your life has value. And your future is full of possibilities.”