In 2017, I set out on a journey across the African continent, starting in South Africa, my. mission was: to share stories of Kindness. Partnering with kindness.org, my goal was not only to highlight the work being done by organszations and individuals that sort to bring about change, but also to attempt to cover the. smaller and more granular gusters of kindness which are everywhere in our society.
The first stop was at the SOS Children’s Villages of South Africa, an organisation that struck me deeply with its mission to protect vulnerable children and provide them with the love and support they need to thrive.
The Need for SOS Children’s Villages
In today’s world, 1 in 10 children grow up without the support of a family. Abandonment, neglect, or abusive environments can tear families apart, and children often find themselves left to navigate life’s challenges alone. The reasons for these separations are complex and vary from family to family, but the consequences are universal. Without the love, guidance, and security of a family, these children face difficulties in preparing for adulthood.
That’s where organizations like SOS Children’s Villages step in. Their mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who have been abandoned or separated from their families. I had first learned about this organization while traveling in India, where I saw the heartbreaking need for such support. Now, in South Africa, I had the opportunity to witness the work of SOS firsthand and tell their story.
SOS Children’s Villages: A Model for Change
SOS Children’s Villages doesn’t just offer temporary housing-they focus on rebuilding the bonds of family and community. Through their holistic approach, they aim to address the root causes of family breakdown, strengthening families to prevent separation and create a lasting impact. The four pillars of their work highlight this approach:
Strengthening Families: By providing emotional and financial support, SOS works to prevent family breakdowns. They understand that strong families create the foundation for a child’s healthy development and future success.
Mental Health Support: The trauma of family separation can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental well-being. SOS provides counseling and mental health services to help children process their experiences and heal.
Education: Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and neglect. SOS Children’s Villages ensures that every child in their care has access to quality education, empowering them to build a better future.
Emergency Response: In times of crisis, SOS mobilises to provide immediate care and support for children and families affected by natural disasters, conflict, or emergencies.
These pillars not only help children in the present, but they also ensure that they grow into strong, independent adults who can contribute positively to society.
Our Visit to SOS Children’s Villages was to focus on the Strengthening Families aspect.
Before arriving in South Africa, we wrote to the director of the SOS Children’s Villages there, hoping to explore how they strengthen families. Our aim was to create a short film showcasing the work of the charity and shedding light on the challenges they face.
Once on the ground, in Ennerdale, (just South of Johannesburg) we were introduced to the heart of the SOS model-the mothers who dedicate their lives to caring for children in need. These women create a family environment within the villages, raising children as their own and providing the love and stability that many of these kids have never known. By focusing on creating a sense of belonging, SOS gives these children a foundation on which they can build their futures.
The Importance of Supporting Such Initiatives
Witnessing the work being done at SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa made it clear to me that investing in children is an investment in the future. i can onky echo the. dreictos words when he said:
By preventing family breakdown and supporting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of children, we’re not only helping individuals but also creating stronger communities. We provide children with the tools they need-love, stability, education-we give them a chance to thrive and become the future leaders, thinkers, and change makers our world so desperately needs.
My time at SOS Children’s Villages was an eye-opening experience, showing me the power of kindness and the importance of creating environments where children can feel safe, loved, and supported. As I continue my journey across Africa, I hope to bring attention to more organisations like SOS, whose work transforms lives every day.
If you’re inspired by the work of SOS Children’s Villages, consider getting involved-whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about their mission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children who need us most.
