For the past three years Total South Africa has been supporting UNICEF through their Sports for Development Programme. It is a national programme that addresses young children's survival and development, basic education and gender equality, HIV/Aids prevention, care and support, child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse and policy advocacy for children's rights.

Throughout South Africa, sports coaches and volunteers have been trained to use sport as a vehicle to teach young children of school-going age vital skills. They have engaged with over half a million children, getting them to learn about things like HIV/Aids and violence prevention through participation in various sporting codes.

The programme relies on the close working relationship between UNICEF, its partners and the Department of Education. It seeks to support government's national priorities and the fulfillment of children's rights.

Children who have benefited from this programme have increased self-confidence and self-esteem and are able to participate more openly in class. They are better able to co-operate with each other and work in teams.