When children grow up "alone," without the love and support of caregivers, they face a greater risk of discrimination, neglect, abuse and abandonment. They are more likely to be deprived of opportunities to learn, mature and develop life skills, and so they find it more difficult to become contributing members of society, says the organisation. 

If they have their own children, they may be unable to adequately support their children's development and so the harmful effects may be passed on to the next generation. The wider society also suffers, as a greater strain is placed on welfare and health systems, adds the organisation. 

A 2024 Situation Analysis report of children and adolescents found that: 

• Sixty-two percent (62%) of children experience multidimensional poverty, with higher rates in rural areas (88%) compared to urban areas (41%).
• Malnutrition and food insecurity persist. Twenty-one percent (21%) of children under five receive a minimum acceptable diet, with a 5% prevalence of wasting and 29% of stunting among young children. 
• Among available data, 58% of children aged five to 16 experienced direct victimisation of sexual abuse, 52% experienced indirect victimisation. Twenty-five percent of children aged five to 16 experienced family violence, 18% experienced physical abuse and 13% experienced emotional abuse.

The organisation says prevention is key, however, it sometimes fails. Another key solution is quality care, and then alternative care which is provided by organisations such as SOS Children's Villages.

"Growing up in a stable and secure family with the support of a caregiver enables children to fulfil their potential. They develop basic life skills such as communication, cooperation, problem-solving and setting personal goals. They also build self-confidence, determination and resilience. SOS caregivers ensure they attend school and take advantage of healthcare services. Children are also better able to develop social networks, which can be a source of support in everyday life. Ultimately, they have healthy relationships, find decent jobs and transform their communities for the better. This is The Care Effect that we stand for as an organisation," says Lebo Phaweni, Head of Communications at SOS Children's Villages in SA.

As a community-building initiative, the SOS Family Strengthening Programme builds resilience within families and capacitates them to better care for their children and themselves, so that total family breakdown is prevented. Each year, hundreds of families benefit from this empowerment programme, adds SOS Children's Villages. 

SOS Children's Villages concludes that Human Rights Month is a reminder of the ongoing work and investment needed to protect human rights for all, especially children. 

For more information, visit www.sossouthafrica.org.za. You can also follow SOS Children's Villages South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor