When Josefina was just two years old, her world was shattered by a horrific act of domestic violence. Her father fatally attacked her mother and was incarcerated, leaving Josefina and her older sister alone and traumatized—without the care or love of a parent.
The sisters were taken in by their great-grandmother, a kind woman with limited means. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t manage the demands of raising two young children. Fortunately, a social worker intervened and connected the family with SOS Children’s Villages in Namibia.
Josefina and her sister moved into their new SOS home, and though the adjustment was difficult at first, they soon began to feel safe and supported. With the patient care of her SOS Mother and the familiar comfort of her sister, Josefina slowly came out of her shell. She started to trust again and found joy in everyday moments—attending school, playing outside, and enjoying shared meals with her new family.
Over the years, Josefina flourished. She explored art, played sports, and went on weekend outings with her SOS siblings—to swimming pools, museums, and even the beach in Swakopmund on Namibia’s western coast. Her favorite memories include movie nights, holiday trips, talent shows, and writing thank-you letters to her sponsors.
“I loved my SOS family,” she said. “I never slept hungry. Everything we did brought us closer as brothers and sisters.”
When Josefina completed her schooling, she transitioned into adulthood with the ongoing guidance of SOS Children’s Villages. Living with her older sister, she received continued counseling and life-skills training. Donations to her Independence Fund, made possible by her sponsor, provided access to vocational training and career resources.
Today, Josefina is 38 years old, a proud mother of three, and employed at an auto manufacturing company. The values of love, patience, and responsibility she learned at SOS now shape the way she raises her own children.
“I might not have known my birth mother or felt her kisses,” Josefina reflects, “but I got the best of everything at SOS. We called our SOS Mothers ‘mom’—their love stays forever in our hearts.”
Her story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when a child receives the support of a loving community.
