Situation during the Covid period

Numerous adjustments had to be made in response to the Covid situation and successive lockdowns. However, it is clear that the SOS structure and its staff have demonstrated their creativity and flexibility in order to achieve the objectives set.

SOS Children’s Village in Quthing

The pandemic had a major impact on the life of the village and its families. With schools closed, the children had to organize themselves differently. They studied in groups, with students from higher education levels helping children from primary and secondary schools. This not only maintained the learning objectives, but also brought the children closer together.

Special activities (art classes, music, drawing, English, etc.) have also been introduced. Likewise, home-based activities (baking, cooking, sewing, vegetable planting) helped reinforce skills.

Finally, a youth parliament was set up in the SOS village of Quthing. Today, this parliament determines the village’s laws, and the children and young people are its parliamentary representatives. In this way, everyone bears responsibility and contributes to positive coexistence.

Vocational training in Quthing

23% of the population is infected with HIV. Many children and teenagers have lost 1 or 2 parents to AIDS, and have to manage entire households from an early age. Instead of going to school, many work or beg to survive.

Despite Covid, it is essential to continue to give these young people a perspective, by enabling them to acquire basic vocational skills in agriculture, construction (including related trades), sewing and tailoring, catering, as well as computer skills, and business management training (compulsory regardless of the course chosen).

Over 700 young people benefit from these short courses, and receive a certificate at the end.