Renovated homes restore safety and stability for children in Cape Town, South Africa
At SOS Children’s Villages, every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to grow, learn and dream. Thanks to the generous support of the Varico Charitable Foundation, four SOS family homes in Cape Town, South Africa, have been renovated, restoring stability and comfort for the children who rely on them every day.
Located in Thornton, a suburb of Cape Town, SOS Children’s Villages was officially opened by Dr. Nelson Mandela in 1996. Today, it remains a vital space for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. The village includes 15 family homes, a library, a learning centre, a therapeutic house and a kindergarten that support their learning, development and healing.
By late 2024, however, severe storm damage had compromised several homes. Leaks, broken roof tiles and interior ceiling damage were affecting the daily lives of the children and caregivers, making renovations essential to restore safety.
What we achieved
With funding from the Varico Charitable Foundation, teams carried out extensive renovations to several homes to ensure a secure, healthy environment for the children in SOS Children’s Villages’ care.
New roof tiles were installed, sealing all leaks.
Damaged ceiling boards were replaced, and full ceilings rebuilt where necessary.
Bathrooms, lounges, kitchens and verandas were repaired to address long-standing issues from moisture and storm damage.
- Interiors were repainted, improving cleanliness and overall upkeep.
While these renovations are structural, their impact on daily life is deeply meaningful. A safe roof means dry nights and uninterrupted sleep. Freshly painted rooms bring light and comfort, helping restore dignity and warmth to the children’s everyday surroundings.
Caregivers shared their heartfelt appreciation for the impact these renovations have had on their families:
“From our family, we want to say ENKOSI KAKHULU! (thank you very much) for the recent renovations of our home. We are building a better, healthier environment for the children in our care. We know this will positively impact them.”
– Siphokazi, SOS mother
“They say when your environment is clean, you feel happy, healthy and motivated. It is so true! Thank you, Varico Charitable Foundation, for supporting the maintenance and renovation of our home.”
– Selina, SOS mother
“Wow! The renovations have truly transformed our home into a warm and welcoming home. Every home renovated reflects our commitment to make our children’s world better than what they have been through. Your efforts breathed new life into this place!”
– SOS mother
Why your support matters
Children without parental care face numerous challenges. With your help, we can provide safe spaces where they feel protected and empowered to thrive. Your support helps us invest in the infrastructure and maintenance that keep SOS Children’s Villages safe and strong for the children who rely on them.