ICT4D

In today’s digital world, technology gives children and young people vital access to information, resources, and opportunities. They can learn, connect with others, and express themselves in new ways through digital tools. We use digital technologies to empower children and young people, especially those without parental support or who might lose it, as well as their communities. Our goal is to strengthen their rights and help them grow into their best selves.

 

This support includes tools like an AI-powered virtual care assistant, available 24/7, and a global digital platform. These resources connect young people with care experience to a variety of opportunities, helping them find support, advice, and pathways to a brighter future. Through these technologies, young people can gain access to guidance, knowledge, and support systems that might otherwise be out of reach.

Children need families

Some families separate because of economic hardship, death of one or both parents and unstable relationships between the parents. The absence of a stable, protective family exposes children to multiple risk factors and makes them vulnerable to neglect, abuse, discrimination and exploitation. Families break up for different reasons. Children are always the ones who suffer. That is why our help for young people has many faces. This also includes relieving, strengthening and supporting families - before they break up.

Working with communities

Each child and each family is part of a community. We work with partners to develop strong social support systems for children and families to develop, grow and learn in a positive, supportive environment. Our allies include community-based organisations, local authorities and governments. Together we build resilience in vulnerable families.

Our help

SOS Children's Villages runs over 550 different Family Strengthening Programmes outside of the SOS Children's Villages supporting families in need in South Africa. We take action to empower parents, families and communities to fight poverty and empower parents to become self-reliant to care for their children.

Health

Access to nutritional assistance, secure their basic needs and promote access to healthcare to keep children and families healthy. 

Training

Training and equipping parents to earn an income and create a stable home. Ensuring access to education for girls and boys, including school fees, school uniforms, study materials, tutoring and after-school help. 

Advisory

Coaching in parenting and household management skills, coaching and further training in the areas of education, housekeeping and violence prevention. 

Income

Advice and education, training, further education for parents to create a sustainable livelihood. 

Nontombi

I live at K13-Ka Ken in Western Cape. I have a sick child that I have to take care of and the food I could afford did not last us the whole month. SOS Children's Villages has been of great help to me, they have assisted me with food, clothes and educational toys.

Nontombi