28 September 2022: SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa opened the Mathanjana Programme in 2004, with the aim of piloting community and family empowerment as part of the organisations broader programmes. At the time, SOS Children’s Villages already operated eight children’s villages across the country, where hundreds of children without parental care, are provided with quality alternative family-based care.
In Mathanjana, the project is successful and attracted a partnership with Isibindi, which is a programme run by governments Department of Social Development. Isibindi aims to create safe and caring communities through delivery of community based child, youth and family care services. Through Isibindi, young people access life skills and empowerment initiatives. Early childhood development programmes are delivered for the younger children, including safe parks where children gather to access educational services and take advantage of nutritional programs. Isibindi became the partner for SOS Children’s Village Mathanjana to reach more families.
“Since the establishment of this Social Centre in Mathanjana, 5 547 children and 543 families have been reached,” says Bobby Bogopa, SOS Programme Director
Today, SOS Children’s Villages extends this project with the opening of a new drop-in centre facility in Mathanjana. The Programme and new facility will offer interventions such as school support, developmental programmes, nutrition, child protection and psychosocial support. Bobby Bogopa and his team will continue to provide support, training and counselling to families, to help them become stronger in the face of adversity, but mostly, the team ensures child rights are upheld. All the interventions are delivered in partnership with the communities; with families being active participants, influencing, delivering and monitoring projects.
“Today we are opening a new safe space for children. This space will provide a place where children can come build relationships, friendships, learn and support each other. Families and communities will also get an opportunity to interact with children in this space through volunteering to teach skills and transfer knowledge. With this project, we contribute to the empowerment of communities,” concludes Sipelile Kaseke, Head of Programmes for SOS Children’s Villages South Africa.
About SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa
SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS Children’s Villages has eight programmes and three Social Centres across eight provinces.
Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to children and families across the country.
The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).
Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families, to grow within a safe family environment. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.
