Meet Lizeth

When Lizeth joined the first National Youth Committee of SOS Children’s Villages in Mexico, she didn’t know that it would help her discover her entrepreneurial dreams—or develop her into a global advocate.   

Thanks to generous monthly supporters like you, Lizeth and young people like her can participate in YouthCan!, SOS’ global program for youth employability and entrepreneurship. With YouthCan!, Lizeth acquired the business and marketing skills she needed to launch Memorias de Cera—her brand of handcrafted candles designed to spark emotional connection and personal reflection.  

“The idea came from my passion for the emotional connection that scents and light bring to our memories,” Lizeth said. “I wanted to create something meaningful and authentic—and every step of this journey has been taken with love.”   

Today, Lizeth is not only a young entrepreneur—she is a youth advocate, working to amplify young voices on the global stage. Recently, alongside another dedicated young leader, she represented Latin America and the Caribbean at the Global YouthCan! Youth Council meeting in Vienna, Austria.   

There, she collaborated with other young leaders from Brazil, Madagascar, Kenya, Romania and the Philippines, exchanging experiences, discussing shared goals and hosting conversations with global companies like DHL Group, Siemens and NIVEA.

“I realized how important the voice of young people is and that we need to take an interest in our future,” Lizeth said. “Above all, our proposals need to be heard and that we need to work to make them a reality.”  

Meet Musa

On September 10, 2024, families fled the devastating Nigeria floods—running barefoot through the streets, clutching their children and cradling whatever belongings they could carry.  

Sade*, a grandmother of six, joined the rush with her grandchildren—until a gut-wrenching sight stopped her in her tracks. Beneath a tree, alone and struggling against the rising water, lay a two-week old baby. 

Sade rescued the baby boy, but his young body wasn’t safe yet. She had no milk to give the baby. No food to nourish her grandchildren. And no income to buy either. 

“I lost hope,” Sade whispered. “He was very sick. I wanted to save him, but I had no means.” 

Because of monthly supporters like you, Sade’s cry for help didn’t go unanswered.  

With your monthly support, SOS Children’s Villages staff delivered nutritious food, clean water, life-saving medical care and economic empowerment to more than 12,000 people, so they could heal, rebuild and thrive after this devastating disaster.  

Thanks to your generosity, the little boy—whom Sade named Musa*—is no longer malnourished or gravely ill. Today, he’s strong, healthy and about to celebrate his second birthday! 

“I cannot express my gratitude to [SOS],” Sade said. “They saved our lives. They paid for everything at the hospital—we did not spend a dime. They gave us things I never imagined I could afford. Today, I can confidently care for my children and grandchildren.” 

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.