Children’s Spotlight of the Week: Stacey Fru – A Young Advocate for Children’s Rights

This week, we celebrate the incredible work of Stacey Fru, a young South African activist and advocate for children’s rights who has been making a profound impact both locally and internationally. Born in Johannesburg to Cameroonian parents, Stacey’s journey as an activist began at the tender age of seven, when she penned her first book to inspire young people to read and write. What started as a simple act of creativity quickly turned into a powerful movement for change.

At just nine years old, Stacey founded the Stacey Fru Foundation with a mission to combat child labor, illiteracy, child trafficking, and to promote the safety and security of children. Her foundation’s work has extended far beyond South Africa, impacting children across Africa and beyond. Through her writings and public speaking, Stacey educates young people and adults alike about staying safe in a world marked by challenges such as child abductions, abuse, and inequality.

Stacey’s literary journey as a best-selling, international award-winning author began with her determination to raise awareness about illiteracy, poverty, and the importance of education. In a country where the literacy rate was alarmingly low, Stacey took it upon herself to motivate others to read and write. She quickly became a role model for children worldwide, with her books reaching readers in countries like Australia, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Malawi, Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Her income from book sales is not for personal gain, but rather to support her philanthropic endeavors. Stacey uses the funds to provide books, clothing, computers, food, and training to communities across South Africa. Through her tireless advocacy, Stacey has touched countless lives, ensuring that children have access to education and the resources they need to thrive.

In 2016, Stacey launched the Safety and Security for Children by a Child Campaign, a vital initiative aimed at teaching children how to stay safe in a world where abductions, rape, and murder are unfortunately common. This campaign resonates deeply in a country where a child goes missing every five hours. Through plays and public talks, Stacey has reached over 8,000 children in schools, helping them understand the dangers around them and teaching them essential strategies for self-protection.

Stacey’s work isn’t just about awareness – it’s about action. She works relentlessly to ensure that children understand their rights and the importance of staying safe, particularly in a world where children often become victims of violence and exploitation. Her powerful message is clear: “When a child gets lost, many other things happen to them, like murder and rape. And in most cases the world over, they become economic slaves.”

In 2018, Stacey Fru launched the Annual AfrICAN Children of the Year Awards to recognize the exceptional contributions of children aged 7-13 from across Africa. This initiative celebrates children who are making a positive impact on their communities and the continent as a whole. The awards have already honored over 100 children from 15 African countries, empowering them to continue their work for the betterment of Africa.

Stacey’s commitment to children’s rights comes at a personal cost. She sacrifices playtime with friends to focus on her activism, knowing that her voice can bring about real change. As she says, “Every day that an activist steps out to stand for human rights, it’s a sacrifice on its own. But in my case, I will not call it sacrifice. I will call it a shift in priorities.”

Her dedication to teaching, motivating, and empowering others continues to drive her forward. Stacey Fru’s story is one of incredible strength, resilience, and compassion. She is not only a champion for children’s rights, but also a beacon of hope for future generations. Stacey Fru’s efforts remind us that no matter how young, each child has the power to change the world.