SSI believes that community ownership is essential to the sustainability of our program. Our Community Mobilization program includes:

In addition to the youth income generation program, SSI has also facilitated the establishment of The United Ladies caregivers group. Five caregivers have worked in partnership to develop business skills to make and sell traditional dresses and beaded jewelry from recycled magazines.

Another caregivers business is currently underway, as a Methodist Church Group from the United States has raised funds to construct a bakery. The bakery will serve traditional breads as well as introduce Western treats, such as cupcakes, to local customers.

SSI works with key stakeholders in the community to ensure the safety and security of OVC is protected, and to advocate for their access to essential services, such as ARVs, health care and monthly food baskets from the Social Welfare Community Development Department.

SSI has led several community initiatives, including the “Stomp Out Sexual Abuse Campaign,” caregiver and youth participant workshops on gender equality, and Kgatleng’s first ever Youth Career Fair.

SSI is committed to developing local capacity within the community. We have trained over 25 caregivers, though our Aunties and Uncles Project, to take on a leadership role within their community, and initiate conversations with neighbouring families to break the taboo surrounding sexual abuse. We have also trained over 30 peer educators to discuss topics with their peers, such as intergenerational sex, multiple concurrent partnerships, substances abuse and other topics affecting teens in their communities.

Through the support of the European Union Non State Actors Capacity Building Program, SSI participants have led a successful field demonstration on effective community recycling practices for expansion into other districts.