Eight-year-old Mbali Nomusa Mathabela was left to fend for herself after her father abandoned her at Marekamp, where she hid in the bushes from potential abusers day and night. Eventually Mbali received assistance from an elderly Gogo who gave her a place to stay in her shanty, and SOHO stepped in to provide a food package each month. Yet because...
Read MoreCo-founded by Cynthia Prime and Linda Schultz, Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO) believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment, abundant in love, care and opportunities for growth. In particular, we focus on transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Eswatini, especially those in child-headed households.
Our approach is anchored in hope, comprehensive care, and Christ-centered programs that revolve around:
• Health — nurturing a healthy mind, body and spirit.
• Opportunity — supporting both academic learning and development of life skills.
• Purpose — encouraging a sense of personal worth.
• Empowerment — to overcome and achieve their full potential.
How we work
As a U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, SOHO has two subsidiaries: Seeds of Hope Outreach and Hope Seekers Alliance. Registered in Eswatini, they serve as “feet on the ground” to implement our programs. Through Seeds of Hope we operate a multi-purpose center in Nhlambeni that serves meals on a daily basis and provides education for preschoolers, as well as health clinics, tutoring and enrichment programs. Seeds of Hope Outreach also has a center in a squatter’s camp in nearby Sidvokodvo that provides children with daily meals, nurturing and enrichment programs.
Hope Seekers Alliance is the umbrella organization responsible for the management of our newest initiative: Lentsaba Children’s Village & Farm. Located in the Shiselweni region, this mountain farm will provide education, housing, and basic health care for up to 250 orphans and vulnerable children.
Where we work
Eswatini is a small, landlocked kingdom in southeastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique to the northeast and surrounded by South Africa. Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is known for its natural beauty, game reserves and cultural festivals.
Yet Eswatini struggles with significant challenges, most notably the world’s highest rate of HIV/AIDS. This has led to an increasing population of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs). More than 57% of the population is under the age of 20. Children have lost parents and the traditional safety net of extended family is either unwilling or unable to take care of them. As a result, about 10% of Eswatini households are led by children. Malnutrition, abuse and exploitation are common problems. Girls head most child-led households, and one in three face sexual abuse.
SOHO spotlight
Helping Rwandan refugees
Fleeing genocide in Rwanda and hoping to find a new beginning, the Frederick family arrived in Eswatini...
Read more
Linnah Mouse
At just 15, Linnah Mouse has already faced numerous challenges. Raised in poverty, her mother worked tirelessly...
Read more
A story of resilience
For Tenele Mdululi, the shadows of abuse loomed over her life long before she stepped into her...
Read more
Banele: Disaster averted
Lives are easily lost among the population of orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini. Injuries that may...
Read more
How you can help
Every act of giving, no matter how small, has the power to profoundly impact the life of a child in need. Your generosity can provide nourishment, clothing, and educational opportunities that offer immediate relief and long-term benefits to children who lack food and access to clean water.
At SOHO, we ensure that every monetary donation is allocated to areas of utmost need, maximizing the positive impact of your contribution.