Repeated Christmas donation towards children and adolescents in South Africa
In 2022, the Bohle Group is once again supporting the work of the SOS Children's Village Ennerdale, a suburb of Johannesburg in South Africa. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has continued its willingness to donate. The increase in children and young people in need of help in the village, caused in part by the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic on local families, shows just how important this commitment is.
There is a lot to do again in 2023. Bohle's Christmas donation will therefore help those responsible to implement the planned projects.
The story of James from Ennerdale
The story of James from Ennerdale shows just how successful the work on site is. It is one of many successful examples from the Children's Village. James came to the SOS Children's Village at the age of 9, grew up there under supervision, studied hard for school and developed into a self-confident person. He later headed the SOS Children's Village Youth Forum as President and went on to study Travel and Tourism Management at university, where he has now successfully graduated. ‘I wouldn't have achieved my dreams if it wasn't for the SOS Children's Village and my sponsors,’ James is convinced. ‘I really have a grateful heart.’
Annual donations ensure planning security
Sustainable support is very important to those responsible at Bohle. The company has therefore been supporting the work of the SOS Children's Village in Ennerdale with an annual donation since 2019. The South African branch is in personal contact with those responsible on site. Arne Klöfkorn, CEO of Bohle AG, also visited the village in person and is impressed by the success and commitment of the employees: ‘Young James’ journey is exemplary of the successful work in Ennerdale. Everyone here makes a significant contribution to the well-being and positive development of the children and young people. We want to continue to promote this in the spirit of a solid partnership and give even more children the opportunity to take their future into their own hands with our donation.’
The continuity of support also gives the local organisers a certain degree of planning security. And this is important for a long-term commitment that can bear fruit.
The SOS Children's Village in Ennerdale: a refuge and contact point at the same time
The SOS Children's Village in Ennerdale has been in operation since 1984. At the beginning of 2022, around 90 children were being cared for there at any one time. The village is located in a suburb of Johannesburg in South Africa and is committed to a more promising future for the many children and young people born in the poor townships of Johannesburg. Some of the children in the townships grow up in precarious conditions. The crime and unemployment rates in Ennerdale are high - not least due to the lack of access to education and a rather hopeless life situation. These children have a lower life expectancy from birth. The lack of cognitive development due to poor education leads to further aggression, social marginalisation, violence, drug abuse and family breakdown.
A stable environment, regular meals, schooling and family protection are some of the cornerstones of the work of the SOS Children's Village on site in Ennerdale. The helpers support the children and young people from their earliest years right through to starting a career and attending university. This help is long-term and sustainable. It helps the children to build their own lives and find a way out of the spiral of life in the townships. For a future with more prospects.
