One thing that orphans learn early in life is that they are not welcome. There is a stigma associated with their condition that makes pain a daily reality. They suffer a lack of basic necessities such as food, safe shelter and clothing and are easy prey to abuse.
SOHO Welcome Places are multi-purpose centers where children are fed and schooled and where the life skills necessary to their survival in society are taught.
Entrepreneurship is fostered through various vocational skills training programs which are particularly beneficial to older orphans and women in search of opportunities to support themselves. These include sewing, woodworking, welding, weaving and farming.
The first of two Welcome Places is located in Mhlosheni, Swaziland and the second in Mbekelweni.
FREE CLINICS
SOHO conducts periodic Mission Trips where teams of volunteers operate Free Clinics in rural areas that are not well served. Thousands of children and elderly residents benefit In conjunction, clothing, shoes, toys, school supplies and household goods are distributed to those in greatest need.
Through SOHO’s C.O.R.E. Network, mental health professionals from Nova Southeastern University, as well as private practitioners, conduct Train-the -Trainer seminars on stigma, substance abuse, crisis and suicide prevention and stress-burn out.
There is an extremely high suicide rate among child-headed households.There is an extremely high suicide rate among child-headed households.
SOHO Welcome Places offer a safe, nurturing environment where these children who are particularly at risk, can receive help and encouragement.
Seeds Of Hope Outreach provides seeds for homestead or individual family group gardens in areas that are deprived.
Seeds and seedlings are also provided for larger community gardens or small farms where crops can be cultivated to help with the shortage of food for orphans and vulnerable children.
The goal of these programs is to increase nutritional intake of orphaned children who are typically malnourished and to foster self reliance .
Garden projects are also developed in conjunction with the Welcome Places to supplement food supplies for the orphans there.
