29 May 2020

The SOS National Director Mr Motshwari Kitso says the capability of SOS Children Village to raise funds has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

 Speaking in an interview on May 26 Mr Kitso revealed that SOS had to contribute about P12 million towards its annual budget of P25 million.

He said the number of donors coming forward to assist the organisation had declined over the past months.

“We have already lost the two months of April and May on fundraising,” he said.

Due to the lockdown, he said the center could not afford to raise money from local sources which would severely affect their budget.

 The situation, he stated left SOS with fears of failing to meet its obligation which would ultimately affect the welfare of the children

 Further, he said most entities even those who had been helping them had shifted to contributing to the COVID-19 national relief fund.

 “We have been severely affected by COVID-19, we need food, clothing, money or anything that could help us to keep running,” he pleaded.

 Mr Kitso pleaded with all members of the community to remember SOS during the time of need.

 Unlike other Tlokweng homes, he said SOS homes did not benefit from the COVID-19 food relief as they were never assessed despite housing needy families.

Mr Kitso stated individuals could sponsor SOS children through adopting a child and assist with necessities such as clothing, food and other child’s needs

 SOS has centers in Tlokweng, Serowe and Francistown. It also has homes within various communities. ENDS