Emelina Khumalo is the caretaker of 12 grandchildren, who range in age from 4-12 years. Most of the children are girls, and four share the same surname. Due to her scarce resources, Gogo Khumalo took the four children to their father’s home and tried to get him to look after them. Yet the father abandoned the girls the very next…
In 2022 Ncamiso Simelane lost his father, and his mother, who is unemployed and has four other children, was unable to pay for his school fees. SOHO has been assisting with these fees, which has enabled Ncamiso to continue his education. A very bright young man, Ncamiso has achieved multiple certificates of academic excellence. What’s more, even though Siswati is…
Grace Khunene is the caretaker of 16 grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years old. These children were abandoned by their parents either because they could not afford to support them, had to seek employment or died from AIDS. Prior to SOHO’s assistance, the family not only lacked food and clothing but also funds for the older…
There are some stories where the odds of survival are truly one in a million. Such is the story of Promise Mavuso. In 2003 Promise’s father died, which scattered the family of nine children to whatever relatives would take them. Like so many children who are orphaned through HIV/AIDS, life was no longer safe. Within a short period Promise lived in…
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…
Fleeing genocide in Rwanda and hoping to find a new beginning, the Frederick family arrived in Eswatini a couple of years ago. The parents and their eight children first stayed at a small refugee camp at Mpaka. Among their many challenges, they did not understand the language of their host country and had few possessions beyond the clothes on their…
At just 15, Linnah Mouse has already faced numerous challenges. Raised in poverty, her mother worked tirelessly in the manufacturing district of Matsapha to meet their needs, while her grandmother cared for her. Despite her mother’s modest income, maintaining consistent school attendance was a struggle, with uniforms and additional fees frequently posing barriers to Linnah’s education. In Eswatini, where only…
For Tenele Mdululi, the shadows of abuse loomed over her life long before she stepped into her teenage years…
Lives are easily lost among the population of orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini. Injuries that may not ordinarily be life threatening, can be, because medical help is not always readily available. Visits from professional groups and university students make a huge difference. Such is the case of the 20 doctoral students who visited Eswatini to volunteer their services with…
Fortunate’s journey is one of determination and success. She overcame challenges, pursued cosmetology, and found her passion in baking. Today, her thriving bakery business reflects her resilience and faith, with a mission to empower others.