Restoring Dignity, Protecting Futures: An Interview with Patric Solomons from Molo Songololo

At the heart of Cape Town, Molo Songololo stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for children and youth affected by abuse, exploitation, and poverty. For over 46 years, this non-profit organisation has worked to create a world where children are protected, empowered, and free to grow into their full potential. We sat down with Patric Solomons, one of the organisation’s leading voices, to learn more about their child protection programmes, youth empowerment work, and the powerful advocacy campaign Dignity for Girls.

“Molo Songololo works with children who have experienced trauma, often from sexual violence, exploitation, or trafficking,” Patric explains. “We offer psychosocial support, therapeutic interventions, and practical help—whether that’s counseling, legal referrals, or simply ensuring a child has food and is able to go back to school.”

Their work is holistic. Molo Songololo doesn’t just respond to crises—they accompany children through the entire healing journey. Outreach is often done directly in children’s homes, allowing staff to build trust and better understand the child’s environment. This approach ensures that children’s needs—emotional, educational, social—are addressed comprehensively, with dignity and care.

One of Molo Songololo’s key advocacy efforts is the Dignity for Girls campaign, which addresses the lack of access to sanitary products for girls and young women in impoverished communities.

“Menstruation is a natural, healthy part of life,” says Patric. “But in many communities, girls can’t afford sanitary pads or basic hygiene products. This affects their confidence, their attendance at school, and their sense of dignity.”

Through this campaign, the organisation provides not just sanitary pads but also essentials like deodorant, body wash, and shampoo—items many take for granted, but that are crucial to a teenager’s self-esteem. The campaign also challenges the stigma and shame often associated with menstruation, pushing for a world in which no girl feels bullied, excluded, or embarrassed for having a period.

When asked about the future, Patric is clear-eyed but hopeful. “We want to see a world where every child is safe, protected, and free to learn and dream,” he says. “That means access to quality education, proper nutrition, birth certificates and ID documents, and above all—justice.”

Molo Songololo envisions a future where community-based solutions are strengthened, where local food systems and education infrastructures are resilient, and where every child, regardless of background, can thrive.

The work of Molo Songololo is community-driven and donation-supported. The Dignity for Girls campaign relies on the generosity of the public to continue providing basic but essential hygiene products. Donations of sanitary pads, toiletries, or funds are always welcome.