Quthing

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

The city of Quthing is the capital of the province of the same name in southern Lesotho. Quthing is home to around 27,000 people. While Lesotho’s economy has been improving over the past few years, many people, including children and young people, still live in poverty. The situation is particularly dire in the rural areas around Quthing. Agricultural production, often disrupted by drought, is the main source of income and food. Many children are malnourished, which affects their physical and mental development. Rising food and fuel prices and disrupted trade of goods and services due to Russia’s war in Ukraine have also taken a toll on the economy.

Since 1998, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Quthing.

33%
Of children do not grow healthily in the province

Children risk malnutrition

In rural areas like Quthing Province, agricultural activities are the main source of income and food. However, land for cultivation is limited and harvests are often affected by inconsistent rainfall, recurring drought or floods. This often means a significant loss of income for many families, who then have limited resources to cover basic necessities. In addition, access to food diminishes and many children are malnourished. As a result, about 33% of children in the area face problems regarding their physical growth and brain development, which can have severe long-term effects.

340,000
People living with HIV/AIDS

Loss of parental care due to HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS pandemic, continues to represent a real challenge to vulnerable families in Quthing. Around 340, 000 people are estimated to be living with the virus, including many children and young people. An increasing number have lost, or are at risk of losing, their parents to the disease. Traditionally children were raised by the whole community, but the number needing such support has become so large that neighbourhoods are no longer able to care for all. Many do not go to school, but end up in illegal employment.

Your support makes a difference for children in Quthing

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.
220
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
70
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Brothers helping each other out to fix a bicycle. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Lesotho).

How your support helps in Quthing

Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary 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.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.