Sandy Petersen

Stepping Stones International

Stepping Stones International is an innovative after school and community outreach program established in 2006 in Mochudi, Botswana that serves orphaned and vulnerable adolescents (ages 12-25+) and their caregivers. Through school counselors and the community, SSI identify orphaned and vulnerable youth who under-perform academically, live in abusive environments or have basic unmet needs. Through a holistic program model, which combines life skills, leadership, psychosocial support and community mobilization we enable youth to heal the scars of the past and reconnect with their lost childhood, while growing into self-sufficient young adults. With 27% of all orphans in Botswana aged between 14 and 17 years (Botswana AIDS impact Survey, BAIS III 2008), SSI stands as a pioneer being the first organization to specifically address the unmet needs of these youth. SSI is proud to have served over 7000+ youth and have flourished in Botswana for 10 years as for 2016.