Child Sponsorship Background from Rustenburg, South Africa

SOS Children's Village Rustenburg

The region lacks adequate facilities for long-term child care. HIV/AIDS has a high prevalence.  A plot of land on the outskirts of Rustenburg was chosen for building the SOS Children's Village. A middle-class residential area is the immediate neighbourhood of SOS Children's Village Rustenburg. Its architecture reflects the "Solid, Modest and Integrated" approach: The family houses resemble the local building style and fit seamlessly into the neighbourhood.

SOS Children's Village Rustenburg comprises ten family houses to take in up to 100 children, an administration and service area, a village director's house and a house for the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave).  One of the houses in the Village was completed funded by Tottenham Hotspurs FC.

Other SOS Projects in Rustenburg

A community-based child care and support programme for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS has been set up. Through this programme, the families receive material and medical support, education and counselling. They are also supported to become materially and financially self-sufficient by establishing kitchen gardens, improving job-finding skills, linking them to income generating activities, etc. Moreover, HIV/AIDS awareness is raised and prevention campaigns are organised.

Background to Rustenburg

Rustenburg has a population of approximately 400,000.  It is located in north-west South Africa. The two largest platinum mines in the world are found near Rustenburg.  It is renowned as the base for the England football team at the 2010 World Cup.