Semongkong Children's Centre, Semonkong
The Semongkong Children's Centre (SCC) was founded in February 2006 and it is now home to over 80 children, including those with special needs. Initially run by Jill Kinsey, an English “Gogo” or Granny to her Basotho children, the SCC has been taken on by Jill's daughter Tara and her husband Patrick who now live there with their three children.
The Centre provides quality care for the children in a family environment, nurturing them to live a positive life and reach their full potential. The local community is involved in life at the Centre and they are encouraged to take responsibility for the children, empowering them to help themselves.
Sentebale fund the running costs here and work closely with the team on new plans and projects. We have also helped secure school bursaries for the children where needed, and paid school fees for the children who could not get bursaries.
Sentebale have mapped Semongkong's orphans and vulnerable children and resources to support them in villages, in order to have a clear picture of the need in this area so that we can direct support to them through Integrated Community Care in the future, especially herd boys.
The Herd Boy Night Schools are run from here.
“Sentebale came in just at the right time. Our work is growing at such a pace and Sentebale makes a huge contribution to the project. We offer a safe haven to 72 children; we provide schooling, medical support and clothing.”
Patrick Baanen, Project Manager
© Sentebale 2011