First Lady Thandiwe Banda meets with children from SOS Kindergarten Lusaka - Photo: M. Ngonga

On arrival, the First Lady was greeted by a traditional welcoming dance performed by children from SOS Kindergarten Lusaka and listened to songs sung by volunteers who co-ordinate the home-based care teams that were initiated and are supported by SOS Social Centre Lusaka.

The visit continued with a guided tour. Mrs Banda said that she was greatly impressed with the tremendous efforts that SOS Children's Villages Zambia is putting into uplifting the lives of children and the communities surrounding the SOS Children's Villages.

She further stated that the SOS family-based care concept was a unique one which needed to be adopted by other care givers. "Allow me to mention that I have been deeply moved by the deep commitment of the SOS mothers as they take care of the children in the family houses. Being a mother myself, it goes without saying that I appreciate the role of a mother which can be both challenging and highly fulfilling at the same time. Please keep up your spirit of service and offering your unconditional love and support to our orphaned children".

The First Lady's final words of advice were to the children and youths as well as the communities who are being supported by SOS Children's Village Lusaka whom she encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities that SOS Children's Villages are offering.