Doris visits Mama Rosa – One woman’s compassion

Doris works as a community worker for SOS Children.  Caring for the community is her job, but it's also her passion.

She believes every child in her community should have their basic needs met: food, clothes, shelter and an education.  She believes everyone in her community should have the opportunity to find a better life.

Depressed and isolated

So when she came across Mama Rosa, depressed and isolated, living in a community bordering SOS Children's Village Mamelodi, northern Johannesburg, Doris needed to do something.

Mama Rosa had become depressed when she'd discovered she was HIV positive.  She quickly became ostracised.

‘My life is better now’

But now Mama Rosa makes shoes. SOS Children paid for training to help her learn the skill.  She gets the material from the SOS Village, makes the shoes, and sells them from her home.  Shoe-making, she says, has helped her meet people.

A valuable skill

Mama Rosa can now earn a living, but more importantly she is a valued member of her community.

She knows she may never be rid of the disease, but every day she has a reason to carry on; she has a purpose.