22 Apr 2020

Like many donor dependent non-governmental organisations across the globe, Francistown Societas Socialis (SOS) is in limbo following the outbreak of COVID-19.

The centre alternative care manager, Ms Onneetse Llapo-Monthe said in an interview Apr 22 that although the facility had been financially stable in the recent past, things may not be as rosy going forward.

“We rely mostly on funding from international donors to run this facility and the same people’s businesses had been rendered defunct by COVID-19. We do not know what the future holds because even local businesses that have been helping us for years have closed shop,” she said.

She said should the ongoing lockdown period linger on, the centre could run short of basics such as food and toiletry for the 120 children accommodated at the village.

With winter fast approaching, Ms Llapo-Monthe pinned her hopes on well-wishers and good Samaritans to come to the rescue of the facility which has a staff complement of 35.

She took solace on the fact that the centre still had enough food that could sustain albeit for a while.

Her main worry was relish, fruits and vegetables, which needed to be procured in the earliest time possible.

That being the case, Ms Llapo-Monthe appreciated assistance in the form of revision materials they received from schools in Francistown, saying they would come handy to learners.

Also, she indicated that the centre had gone all out to enforce all extreme social distancing measures within the facility. Ends