Nelspruit

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages South Africa).

The SOS Children's Village Nelspruit is located in the city of Mbombela in the easternmost province of Mpumalanga. This growing city has a population of about 110,000 people. The area is a popular tourist destination, partly because of its proximity to the Kruger National Park. However, many people in the area struggle to find decent jobs and live in poverty. Due to the large disparities between the city centre and the poor townships, many of the children who grow up in the city’s outskirts are disadvantaged from an early age. In addition, HIV/AIDS is a major problem in the region.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Nelspruit.

1 in 3
Children in South Africa is malnourished

Unequal access to food

There are huge inequalities in Mbombela. The city centre is prosperous and developed. In contrast, people in the outskirts live in very poor conditions. Here, families often do not have access to basic infrastructure such as sanitation, electricity or proper roads. These areas are characterised by high levels of poverty, as many people are unemployed or work in the informal sector. In many cases, parents can barely afford to feed their children, which is why about 1 in 3 children are malnourished. These children are vulnerable to preventable diseases and often cannot go to school. Without an education, their future prospects diminish drastically.

30%
Of people in Mpumalanga live with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS poses a threat

Mpumalanga province has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the country - according to recent estimates, more than a third of the population is affected by the disease. Many are co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis and the provision of medication remains a challenge for the health system. The presence of the disease has a devastating impact on the lives of children. As their parents can no longer work due to the disease, the children are often forced to find a way to earn money to support themselves and their families. For this reason, they cannot afford an education and therefore have little chance of finding a decent job.

Your support makes a difference for children in Nelspruit

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
130
Families
Can stay together
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Little girl and her caregiver having an affectionate moment. Children form bonds with their family as they grow up that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages South Africa).

How your support helps in Nelspruit

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.