SOS Children in Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho, formerly Basutoland, is an enclave of South Africa which became independent in 1996. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an estimated 58 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Any development in the alleviation of poverty over the past decades is being reversed by one of the most severe HIV/AIDS pandemics in the world, which is threatening the economy, delivery of social services and the entire social fabric of the country.
SOS Children has been working in Lesotho since 1992 when construction started on the community in the capital, Maseru. Completion was delayed by political unrest and fighting between rival army factions, and the village finally opened in 1995. Approximately 8 km from the centre of Maseru, the village is on the slopes of a hill in the semi-urban settlement of Lithabangeng. There is plenty of space for the children to run around and play, and there is also a sports ground.
The community, which so far is the only one in Lesotho, has ten family houses and four youth houses, into which the older children move in preparation for an independent life. There is a kindergarten which is open to local children as well. Medical and educational facilities in the area are limited and overcrowded, and so SOS has also provided a primary school and a medical centre, which sees over 1000 patients a month.
Following political unrest in1998 which led to widespread food shortages, SOS Children Maseru established an emergency relief programme, distributing food and medicines to local families.
Country Map
Local Contacts
SOS Children's Village Association of Lesotho, PO Box 1180, Maseru West 105, Lesotho
Tel: +266/31 66 07
Fax: +266/31 03 86
e-mail: sosles@lesoff.co.za
www.sosvillages.org.za
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