Case studies: former child from Maseru, Lesotho

Although Hlalefo battles academically he succeeds in so many others areas and is sure to make a successful life as an adult with the continued caring and support from SOS Children's Villages.

SOS youth cares about the development of children

Hlalefo is a tall, slender, dark complexioned 24-year-old who came to SOS Children's Village Maseru, Lesotho, in 1994. He is now integrated back into the community but is still in close contact to the organisation. Hlalefo shares a rented flat in town with his older brother, Jacob, but he still has close ties to the village where he can often be found talking to children and mothers after school.

Although physically strong Hlalefo battles academically. He had to repeat a few classes at primary level. In the local high school he also did not do well and feeling frustrated dropped out in Form 4 (Grade 11). SOS Children's Village management then did an assessment with him and helped Hlalefo enrol into another school closer to his place of origin. "At my new school I am already a member of the debating and volleyball teams," said Hlalefo proudly.

Hlalefo has a special love for animal farming. Through his efforts and commitment the SOS youth has a piggery project at the village. "Hlalefo is such a helpful boy," said an SOS co-worker. "When it's school holidays and if he is not busy with his extra mural youth activities he helps in the offices and family houses."

Being an active, energetic, friendly and social person Hlalefo interacts easily with people of different ages. He has been a boy scout and church youth group and committee member. In 2006 Hlalefo was the conductor for the choir church group where he won a musical competition at national level. He is currently an active member of the Lesotho Family Planning Parental Association which guides youth in making informed decisions.

Hlalefo likes writing and also draws very well although he is not very keen on drawing. Here Hlalefo shares an essay he wrote about children:

My wish for the development of children

Progress for children should be a key goal of overall national development. As today's children are the citizens of tomorrow's world, their survival, protection and development is the prerequisite for the future development of humanity.

Empowerment of the younger generation with knowledge and resources to meet their basic human needs and to grow to their full potential should be a primary goal of national development. As their individual development and social contribution will shape the future of the world, investment in children's health, nutrition and education is the foundation for national development.

Each day, countless children around the world are exposed to changes that hamper their growth and development. They suffer immensely in countries of war and violence, and as victims of racial discrimination, foreign aggression, occupation and annexation as refugees and displacements. There are children forced to abandon their homes and their homes' "roots" as victims of neglect, cruelty and exploitation.

Together our villages, the SOS Children's Villages, have the means and knowledge to protect lives and to diminish enormously the suffering of children, to promote the full development of their human potential and to make them aware of their needs, rights and opportunities. Further attention, care and support should also be accorded to disabled children.

I wish everyone would take this message seriously.

"Kea leboha ruri ka ts'ebetso e matla" (Maybe one day I will get a reward).

SOS Children has been working in Lesotho since 1992 and the first children's village opened in 1994 at the capital Maseru near Lithabaneng. A second village is due to open late in 2009 at Quthing. More than 100 children have found a loving family home at the SOS Children's Village, while more than 8,000 children and their families are supported through programmes in the community such as SOS Medical Centre and the SOS Social Centre.

You can support children in need like Hlalefo, by becoming a child sponsor.