At SOS Children’s Villages, we operate in the best interests of each child. It’s widely recognised that a safe and secure family is the best possible place for the growth and development of children. But we know this isn’t always possible. Sometimes children don‘t have parents or other close relatives to care for them, or families can become unable to care for their children, temporarily or permanently.
When this is the case, SOS Children’s Villages provides a safe, loving, family-like home for children, so they grow up with the relationships they need to thrive. Ultimately, we aim to reunite children with their biological families, when safe and possible to do so.
The process of reintegration is managed carefully. We collaborate with relevant authorities and involve psychologists, sociologists and educators. This includes preparing children and young people, their families and the wider community prior to reuniting the children and supporting them after with ongoing contact and follow-up visits by social workers.
Children who can’t be reunited with family members continue living happily in their SOS Children’s Villages families, but increasingly we are now looking to integrate these into communities.
Emeldah’s story
“I miss my family from SOS Children’s Village Chipata but I’m happy to be home with my family of origin. I hope to create new memories and new friends here.”
Emeldah is among the children and young people recently reintegrated back into their biological families from the different SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in her journey, one filled with hope and the promise of a brighter future.
Emeldah came to SOS Children’s Villages at just seven years old, following the death of her mother.
However, Emeldah kept in contact with her uncle (her mother’s older brother) and would visit him during the school holidays.
Her uncle and aunt expressed gratitude to SOS Children’s Villages for providing a loving home and education support to their niece for seven years.
At the time of her mother’s passing, unfortunately their circumstances didn’t allow them to take up the responsibility of caring for Emeldah. But now, they’re in a position to look after her.
The dedicated team at SOS Children’s Village Chipata worked tirelessly to facilitate Emeldah’s reintegration with her family. Through counselling, support services, and personalised interventions, they prepared Emeldah and her family for the journey ahead, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition home.
Since, Emeldah has enrolled in a school near her new home and is already making new friends in the community
Natasha’s story
The day of reintegration finally came, filled with emotion and uncertainty as Natasha bid goodbye to a place she called home for six years. But, when she arrived at her new home to live with her maternal uncle, she was greeted with tears of joy and hugs of reassurance from her family.
SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia recently visited her new home in Chimwemwe Township, Chipata District, where Natasha seems to have adapted well to life in the community.
Her uncle, Stephen, noted that Natasha struggled settling in at first, due to the change in environment, but she is now slowly adapting.
“I treat her the same way I treat my own children, so she can feel at home.” Stephen said.
Natasha reveals that she’s looking toward the future with hope and optimism and carries with her the lessons learned and memories created during her stay in SOS Children’s Village Chipata.
She has embraced her new home.
“I enjoy doing chores different from what I was used to in SOS Children’s Villages. I’ve been going to the farm with my cousins. At first I found it hard, but with my family’s support, I’m adapting and learning how to do it well.’’ said Natasha.
Natasha has embraced her reintegration journey, guided by the unwavering support of her uncle and staff from SOS Children’s Villages.
She is currently doing her grade 11 at Chadiza Boarding School and hopes to study law.
Loveness’s adoption story
On a cold day during one of her rounds as medical personnel, Ms. Loveness Chongo heard the desperate cries of a newborn baby and learnt the sad story of a baby girl abandoned by her mother.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Loveness loved the baby at first sight, immediately buying everything the baby needed for her stay in hospital.
“I fell in love with her from that day, medical staff gave her my name after they saw how attached I was, and that’s been her name since.” Loveness said.
“When the day for her discharge from hospital came, I was devastated, but knew that the right channels needed to be followed. Baby Loveness was handed over to the Government.
“Later on, I learnt she was staying in SOS Children’s Villages” she added.
Baby Loveness was brought to SOS Children’s Villages at just 12 days old.
Years passed, and Baby Loveness grew into a spirited and curious young girl. Meanwhile, Ms. Loveness continued to visit her namesake whenever she could.
Still moved by baby Loveness’s story, she knew in she had to do something to change the course of the young girl’s life. After much contemplation and discussion with her family, Ms Loveness made a life-changing decision — to adopt Loveness and become her mother.
“I learnt SOS Children’s Villages was in the process of reintegrating some children back to their families of origin, and I saw a perfect chance to finally have baby Loveness live with us.” she said.
Loveness, now seven years old, has blended in well with her new family, where she’s found a new home and loving parents.
