Stepping Stones International

Description

Stepping Stones International is a non-governmental, non-profit organization striving to unlock the potential of orphaned and vulnerable adolescents (aged 12-18) by nurturing their mental, physical and emotional well-being and creating realizable opportunities for them to become self-sufficient. Stepping Stones International programs are focused on four quadrants: Life Skills, Leadership, Psychosocial Support and Advocacy/Community Mobilization. Stepping Stones International has been a Uniterra partner since 2008.

Highlights and Achievements

Stepping Stones International directly impacts 87 youth through its afterschool program, 54 HIV positive adolescents in a teen club support group, 36 out-of-school youth, and 61 peer educators. In addition, Stepping Stones reaches over 1,500 people through community outreach, family and caregiver support. Stepping Stones’ programs have received World Bank funding to roll out aspects of peer education and community mobilization to five other districts in Botswana. Through Stepping Stones’ psychosocial support program, 28% of their youth have disclosed incidences of sexual abuse, 7 have been relocated into safer home environments and most are now able to access government support services. Ten youth participants have continued on to higher education or have been placed in jobs. Stepping Stones International works in collaboration with government initiatives and supports government working groups.