Amazing charity that began with just one act of kindness in a Somerset town

In the midst of all the bad news happening around the world something amazing is happening in Africa and it all began in Shepton Mallet.

SOS Africa is the most wonderful organisation, providing African children with schools and education they could never have thought possible.

The charity celebrated its 21 ^st birthday recently with a huge party in the Western Cape, Africa.

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They now have five schools, after school clubs, they provide teachers, special educational needs support, school equipment and so much more.

And they are getting bigger and bigger.

The story of SOS Africa is the most moving tale of how one Somerset man has gone on to change the lives of so many disadvantaged children in Africa.

It is an amazing story.

It all began 21 years ago, when then 18-year-old gap student Matt Crowcombe from Shepton Mallet decided to donate his pocket money towards a South African child’s education.

The small seed planted by this simple act of kindness has grown into a thriving charitable organisation transforming the lives of children across the Western Cape and beyond through donations and sponsorship.

Last week SOS Africa marked this milestone anniversary by hosting a birthday party at its recently opened Gordon’s Bay Education Centre in the Western Cape.

Its VIP guests were staff and children from the charity’s four education centres from across the region.

Matt, who now lives in Africa to continue the great work of the charity, said: “It was an emotional afternoon shared with many of the wonderful people who have each played an invaluable part in SOS Africa’s journey here in the Western Cape.

“Each SOS Africa child and staff member has their own remarkable story, they have fought against the odds to get to where they are today and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“I often reflect on the early days of SOS Africa when we walked the very first sponsored child to his first day at school.

“Back then I had no idea that, in that moment, a wonderful organisation had been born.

“I feel truly blessed to have a career which enables me to bear witness to both human kindness and determination each and every day.”

Matt was born in Shepton Mallet and educated at All Hallows School and King's School Bruton.

After finishing A-Levels in 2002, he went on a gap year to South Africa to coach cricket and teach technology.

He said: “My placement school was very wealthy so I used to sneak out and teach in local and seriously underfunded townships schools.

“During this time, I met a child with huge potential but without access to good schooling. With the help of a school teacher (the co-founder of SOS Africa) I used my pocket money to pay for this child's education and care.”

“Thanks to the sponsorship of local schools and businesses in the south west and students from South Wales Universities, the charity grew to fund the education and care of many children. “After completing my Ph.D. in International Relations at Swansea Uni, I returned to Shepton Mallet where I opened a fundraising office and charity shop, now at 44 High St, Shepton Mallet.

Matt now lives in Gordon's Bay, South Africa with his wife Claudia and son Ted and he oversees the education projects there.

He returns to the Shepton Mallet HQ a few times a year to see his family, host fundraising events and presentations for sponsors.

The charity shop in Shepton Mallet is also thriving and raises invaluable funding for SOS projects.

At the party the SOS kids feasted on an epic South African braai, played party games together, jumped for joy on the bouncy castle and cooled off in the swimming pool.

Meanwhile the high school children finished off the afternoon relaxing at Gordon’s Bay’s iconic beach.

It was a truly memorable occasion filled with broad smiles and the relentless sounds of joy and laughter from adults and children.

Meyah, grade 10, SOS Africa Gordon’s Bay, said: “I enjoyed every minute, we were all siblings coming together and enjoying each other’s company and celebrating together.”

Relton, grade 3, SOS Africa Elgin, said: “I had lots of fun! We ate nice food and made lots of friends with children from the other centres.”

Kim, grade 12, SOS Africa Gordon’s Bay, said: “I felt like I was rediscovering my childhood magic – I felt young, wild and free.”

Chrisna, grade 4, SOS Africa Grabouw, said: “The highlight of my day was hanging out with all the other SOS kids, they were all so friendly. I really enjoyed swimming and the games we played. It was so much fun.”

With the future of the organisation bright, SOS Africa founder Matt would like to give a final word of thanks to the charity’s many sponsors, donors and fundraisers across the world, but especially in Shepton Mallet.

He said: “One of the highlights of my job is communicating with our wonderful supporters from Shepton Mallet and the south west who constantly go above and beyond to provide lifechanging opportunities for the SOS kids.

“With each hard earned donation, they take a leap of faith in the hope of making a difference to the lives of children who they have often never met.

“Thank you for always believing in us – these smiles wouldn’t be possible without you.”

To find out about sponsoring a child or giving financial support visit https://www.sosafrica.com/