SOS pleads for houses
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday November 15, 2021 06:11
SOS introduced the de-institutionalisation process some few years back by having some of its families relocate from their village to join the mainstream community. So far, SOS village here has 16 families of which two have been moved out of SOS village into the community as part of their integration process. Kitso made this plea recently during the Mascom Batanani Walk handover, of which they benefited proceeds amounting to P139,000. In his remarks, Kitso requested both the government and community in general to assist them by allocating houses within the community for their families. According to the SOS national director, currently the de-institutionalisation process is very slow because they are faced with obstacles such as finding residential areas for their families.
He pleaded with Good Samaritans to assist them with houses in order to integrate children in the community in a bid to kill the stigma associated with staying at the SOS village. “SOS is undergoing the de-institutionalisation process to help raise children where they will have a sense of belonging in the community. All the houses are accepted either in good or bad conditions,” said Kitso. Furthermore, he indicated that if they are granted houses in dilapidated conditions, they reach out to donors who will help with renovation of the houses in order to create a conducive environment for the children. According to Kitso, the de-institutionalisation process was taken after realising that the best place for children is for them to grow in their natural homes as part of the community through the foster care model. Furthermore, he indicated that they have tested the waters with two families who are currently staying in Chadibe and in 2022 they are planning on taking out eight more families.
He added that both families are doing well and have adapted to the new environment.
SOS national director highlighted that the research conducted shows that these children have been missing out on the social and cultural aspect. “My message for you is to prepare for our children in different communities and be ready to accept them as part of your society,” said Kitso. When speaking about the donation, Kitso expressed gratitude towards the donation made by Mascom, indicating that the money will be put to good use and make a huge difference in the livelihoods of the children.
He shared that SOS operates from an annual budget of P26 million for all the three villages of which 50% come from their international donors whereas P13 million has to be raised locally. Kitso added that the government only contributes 40% and the rest they are expected to raise it through fundraising activities which they have been failing to do due to the COVID-19 pandemic.