Mbabane, spring 2016

Family strengthening programme

In 2002, the Family Strengthening Programme was introduced. The programme enables children who are at risk of losing the care of their family to grow up in a caring family environment, by working directly with families and communities to empower them to effectively protect and care for their children in cooperation with local authorities and other service providers.

Water for Mary

The picture above shows a girl fetching water from a harvesting tank. This is Mary* (12) and her little sister. They are being fostered by an elderly community family and assisted by SOS Children's Villages family strengthening programme. They had a water tank installed in early 2016, and are now able to access water.

Main achievements

• 798 children and youth at risk of losing parental care were supported in their families of origin through the family strengthening programme.
• The programme saw a highlight in the education of the children as it was able to register 37 young people into tertiary facilities.
• Psychosocial activities for children in different age groups were organized and had positive impact on majority of the children.
• 90% of caregivers in all five communities have been empowered through workshops and meetings to provide quality care to their children. These workshops include basic knowledge on quality childcare and parenting.
• The programme has supported 61 girls and 42 boys with career guidance talks, providing them with information that will ultimately help in choosing the right career.
• The programme has also supported the feeding programme for 350 children in three childcare centres. This support was in terms of food items (beans, sugar, soup, rice and cooking oil), which was provided on monthly basis. 
• 40% of children in the programme are now well vested with gender related issues.

Economic empowerment continues to be one of the key strategies in improving the living conditions of every family, such as improved shelter and ensuring access to food. This is evidenced by the increase in the proportion of children who are having at least three meals per day.