11 Aug 2021

SOS Children’s village in Francistown has remained resilient in executing its services despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SOS National Director Mr Motshwari Kitso said in an interview that the organisation had to continue carrying out its mandate even though funds from stakeholders had fizzled out.

“Not a month goes by without an intake. We have never considered not offering our service even with all the hardships that we go through and we will continue to do so no matter the state of the pandemic,” he said. 

Mr Kitso said SOS that had been taking in orphans and children in special circumstances since 1978. To keep that legacy alive, they had to adapt by taking advantage of digital platforms such as websites and social media. 

“We now accept donations online from anyone, anywhere and this has helped to raise money to take care of the children as well as adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added. 

He further noted that the pandemic had forced the organisation to make some adjustments, as they were not immune to COVID-19, which had already affected their houses in Francistown, Serowe and Tlokweng. Mr Kitso said they had to come up with a mitigation plan where they turned some houses into isolation centres. 

He further said alternative working arrangements had cost implications. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation needs more counsellors to provide emotional support to both the children and the staff members. 

Mr Kitso said the health protocols did not only affect the organisation financially but the emotional needs of children, as they could not have visitors or see their family members. He urged communities to prioritise children’s rights and needs especially during the pandemic. He said children’s rights should be protected even when the family and community were unable to offer protection, hence the existence of organisations such as SOS. 

He said since some of the children at SOS had been referred by social workers from their communities, the organisation had no alternative but to take them. 

“Every child has the right to education as well as being provided with life skills which is what we do until they are 18 years old when they can fend for themselves,” he said. 

Mr Kitso urged Batswana to donate in any form to keep the organisation afloat. ends