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A proud contributor to...
...shifting the trajectory of South Africa?
About Us
Signs of Positivity began with a question:
How do we positively affect the trajectory of our country, even in small ways to make a bigger impact over time?
That question led to a simple realisation — that many children don’t always hear the encouragement they need, and that the environments they move through every day quietly shape how they think, feel, respond, navigate challenges, and how they treat others.
In a country facing complex and evolving challenges, it’s easy for small moments of clarity, calm, and thoughtful response to be overlooked — yet these moments matter more than we might realise.
Installation of the sign 'Everything begins with an idea'
What We Do
We place simple, thoughtfully designed messages in everyday environments like schools.
These messages are seen repeatedly — in real moments, not just once-off sessions — and over time, they become part of how students think and respond.
Our aim is not to tell people what to do, but to gently encourage:
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clearer thinking
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calmer responses
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more empathetic and constructive interactions
Impact:
Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today
"This is my favourite sign because this is high school and we're really thugging it out, so I think it's really important to be a positive light in someone's life just to give them a hug (my personal favourite), or sharing your lunch or just smiling at someone. It's really important especially in these times to to just make someone smile".
Student - Parktown High School for Girls
Unnamed for Privacy Purposes
Permission for photo usage granted by a parent/guardian
Small moments matter.
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How a child interprets a mistake.
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How they respond to frustration.
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How they treat someone else.
These moments shape patterns — and over time, those patterns shape individuals, and ultimately, society.
The way individuals learn to think and respond early in life can influence how they make decisions later on — including how they take responsibility and lead others.
Shaping these patterns early, we aim to contribute to the development of individuals who act with integrity and make thoughtful, responsible choices.
By supporting children in this way, we aim to encourage more thoughtful, calm, and empathetic responses that can ripple outward into classrooms, schools, and communities.
Why It Matters
Impact:
Love Yourself
"This is my favourite sign because you should
always love yourself"
Student - Parkview Junior School
Unnamed for Privacy Purposes
Permission for photo usage granted by a parent/guardian
Where We Are Now
Signs of Positivity has been implemented in 16 schools in Gauteng, South Africa, providing more than 1600 small but consistent beacons of hope daily to approximately 12 800 children.
What’s been most encouraging is that months later, students still remember specific messages — and more importantly, use them.
The work of Signs of Positivity has been made possible through the support of individuals and organisations who believe shaping how young people think, respond, and relate to others can have a long term effect on our nation.
Through their support, we have been able to install signs in 16 schools — where these messages are seen and experienced every day.
We are grateful for the role each of them continue to play in helping extend this work into more schools and communities and associating their brand with daily positivity and nation building.
Our Partners
Impact:
It Always Seems Impossible
Until It's Done
"When I saw this sign, I just felt the motivation to keep pushing and keep going, and no matter what gets in my way, I will still be able to get it done, no matter what."
Student - Parktown High School for Girls
Unnamed for Privacy Purposes
Permission for photo usage granted by a parent/guardian
Our core approach is environment-based.
The messages are always there — quietly present — supporting students in the moments that matter most.
This can be strengthened through workshops and facilitated sessions, which deepen understanding and reinforce the messages already present in the environment.
Image: Students at Maxeke Secondary School, Evaton, Johannesburg South
Courtesy of Sedibeng Ster (Caxton Newspaper)
How We Work
Voices of Students
In some cases, schools also contribute to the messages themselves.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and share ideas, which are then carefully shaped into clear, thoughtful prompts and integrated into the environment.
At St Teresa’s, in 2021, Grade 8 students contributed their own messages, which were developed into a set of signs and installed within the school.
This approach encourages a sense of ownership and ensures that the messages remain relevant and meaningful within each school context.
It also reflects a simple belief — that some of the most meaningful insights can come from students themselves, when given the space to think and contribute.
Image: Student at St Teresa's School, Rosebank, Johannesburg North
Courtesy of Killarney Rosebank Gazette (Caxton Newspaper)
Impact:
You Are Stronger Than You Think
"I have a crippling fear of needles, but when I needed to get my vaccine I kept repeating this message to myself while getting the shot and it made me feel much better."
Student - Parktown High School for Girls
Unnamed for Privacy Purposes
Permission for photo usage granted by a parent/guardian
Extending the Environment
While our work is rooted in school environments, the same messages can be reinforced beyond the classroom.
Stickers, fridge magnets, and a memory game have been developed to extend this exposure into everyday spaces — at home and in play.
By seeing these messages more often, in different contexts, they become more familiar and more likely to be remembered and used in real moments.
Looking Ahead
We are focused on expanding into more schools and environments, working with partners who share a belief in the importance of early, everyday influence.
Because small shifts — especially early on — can make a meaningful difference over time.
Contact Us
Reach out to us to schedule an appointment or inquire about our services. We are here to support you on your journey to improved communication.
Get in Touch