Ennerdale

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages South Africa).

Ennerdale is a suburb of Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa with a population of around 8 million. It is also home to some of the largest townships in the country. Ennerdale was built in the 1970s in an attempt by the local authorities to create a township that would maintain racial segregation. Apartheid policies are now a thing of the past, but the socio-economic and political remains of apartheid are still deeply rooted in the country's urban system. Most of Johannesburg's townships are still predominantly Black African communities. Thousands of children grow up in poverty and experience social exclusion and inequality from a very young age.

Since 1984, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Ennerdale.

2 in 3
People in Johannesburg live in poverty

Quality of life is extremely poor

Unfortunately, the legacy of apartheid is still visible in Johannesburg today and the city remains deeply divided. About two thirds of the population live in poverty today and 72% of them are Black Africans. Ennerdale is located in a very low-income area, consisting mostly of informal settlements. People here do not have access to sewage systems, running water and electricity. They also often live illegally on the land where their houses are located, which means that the government is not obliged to provide basic services. Thousands of children grow up in poverty here and experience social exclusion in their everyday life.

72%
of people living in poverty are Black Africans

Inequality persists

The poor living conditions in townships like Ennerdale are devastating for children and their future. This is especially true for black African children, as 72% of people living in poverty in Johannesburg are Black Africans. These children grow up in areas where poverty and deprivation are the reality, crime rates and unemployment are high and education is not accessible to all. From the very beginning of their lives, these children have a lower life expectancy, a higher risk of contracting diseases and run the risk of not growing as they should. This affects both their physical and emotional development, which has long-term consequences and puts them at a disadvantage from a young age.

Your support makes a difference for children in Ennerdale

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
150
Families
Can stay together
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Little girl and her caregiver having an affectionate moment. Children form bonds with their family as they grow up that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages South Africa).

How your support helps in Ennerdale

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.