SOS Children’s Villages in Zimbabwe has brought hope and stability to countless children in need, giving them a safe place to grow, thrive, and dream. Siphilisiwe Sibanda’s story is a beautiful testament to the life-changing impact of this support and love.
Siphilisiwe grew up in Zimbabwe with her parents and six siblings. As the sixth of seven children, she often looked after her younger sister while their mother managed the family’s needs. Her life changed dramatically when her father passed away, and her mother was no longer able to care for her and her younger sister. At just ten years old, Siphilisiwe and her sister moved to SOS Children’s Village in Bulawayo, their new home and family when no other relatives were able to take them in.
Arriving at the Village, Siphilisiwe felt a mixture of emotions, from loss to hope. She recalls, “I was heartbroken to leave my biological family behind and at that time I was not sure if I was ever going to see them again.” Yet from the start, the Village family welcomed her and her sister with open arms. She found herself surrounded by people who were there to help, guide, and care for her, bringing her peace and comfort as she adjusted to her new life.
Life at SOS Children’s Village was full of routines, structured meals, and set schedules. Adjusting to this structure took time, as it was quite different from the life she had known. She struggled academically at first and even had to repeat a grade. But with the steady support of the SOS community, including extra classes and activities that helped her build resilience, Siphilisiwe began to thrive. Her hard work and determination paid off; her grades improved significantly, and she found joy in playing marimba and joining the school’s hockey team. Her commitment to her growth and community was recognized, and she was chosen to be a prefect.
Her journey took her to the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Ghana, where she gained confidence, met friends from all over the world, and discovered a deep sense of purpose. During school breaks, she spent time with the warm and welcoming Prah family, who helped her experience Ghana’s culture, food, and traditions. “Meeting people from different cultures and learning to accept others for who they are without judgment was truly life-changing,” she recalls.
After graduating from college, Siphilisiwe pursued a degree in Biomedicine in South Africa, overcoming pandemic-related delays and earning her diploma in 2023. Volunteering in healthcare settings deepened her commitment to making a difference, inspiring her to further her studies with a Master’s in International Healthcare Management.
Reflecting on her journey, Siphilisiwe shares, ‘SOS Children’s Village has given me a voice, and I am empowered to use it.’ She hopes to give back to others and uplift her community, passing along the hope and love she received from her SOS family in Bulawayo. Her story is a powerful reminder that with care, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, every child can flourish.