How Children Are Serving Children in Southern Africa 

This year, children in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are trying to follow the loving example of the Savior of the world by participating in service projects that help others. It’s an effort known as the Primary children’s community service initiative.

Primary General President Susan H. Porter, who oversees the Church’s global work of more than one million children, has been in Southeastern Africa to minister to Latter-day Saints and others and help alongside children doing service.

Here is a look at service projects in three countries that Latter-day Saint children engaged in during President Porter’s visit.

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Mauritius

This island country in the Indian Ocean is more than 1,200 miles off the eastern coast of Africa. On Saturday, August 31, 2025, children gathered to give needed items such as food, water bottles, towels, pillows, and socks to at-risk children.

“I’m feeling happy that I can help all the kids that need food,” said Ganesca Cotte, a Primary-age child. “They were so happy. I give them the bag [and] they say I never have a bottle like this. And they eat all the food and say, ‘I’m really hungry.’”

“When I went to church today, I feel like I'm having a best day ever,” added Hailee Antoine, another child. “I’m happy to see Sister Porter and I’m happy to learn with her.”

The Church collaborated with SOS Children’s Villages, a large global organization that helps children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it grow up with the care, relationships and support they need to become their strongest selves.

“This will be a great support for [the children],” said Fabiola Clair, fund development manager for SOS Children’s Villages. “It is very important to receive support from our donors. It’s a pleasure to be here — especially for these children who came from vulnerable families, for them to receive all these items.”

Lesotho

In Lesotho, a nation bordered entirely by South Africa, children gathered on September 5, 2025, at St. Louise Primary School to assemble school supplies for three schools in the area. 

“We love seeing the joy in your faces as you come to learn and grow,” President Porter said to the children. “You will become the future of Lesotho as you learn of the world and learn how to make this country even more wonderful than it already is. We’re so grateful to make this gift for you. This makes us so happy to see your beautiful school — and especially your beautiful faces. Thank you for letting us be here with you today.”

Matsepiso Nthunya, the principal of St. Louise Primary School, expressed gratitude for the supplies and the example of faith in action.

“[The children will] be very happy,” Nthunya said. “You taught us to put faith toward Jesus and to love one another. That is what we learned from you, and we are very happy with that.”

Several children in Lesotho spoke of the joy of service.

“Serving other children is good because some children do not have these kinds of things,” said Lehakoe Ntoko. “I had the best day ever.”

“It makes me feel closer to the Lord because I’m doing the same work He did,” added Nthatisi Semantlane.

“I learned that even if you are small, you can do very big things,” said Sasha Tuliraba.

South Africa

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Johannesburg, children assembled toiletries that will be given to Door of Hope, a faith-based organization that cares for abandoned babies.

“It’s just like I get this warm feeling every time I help somebody and I see that smile on their face,” said Sibani Madela. Asanda Makasi added, “I’m thankful for all the things I have in my life, and I want people to have what I have.”

The potential impact of such outreach by the Primary children worldwide is significant for a faith with millions of members in nearly 32,000 congregations scattered throughout many nations.

Later on Sunday, President Porter reflected on these service opportunities for children in Southeastern Africa — and around the world. 

“This effort is a way to look at the second great commandment,” President Porter said. “This is to expand our view to all of God’s children, for children to look around in their communities and realize, ‘I can make a difference. I may be just 8 or 9 or 10, but if I gather with my friends, we can make a difference to bless children around us.”

"When we’re asking them to see the needs of children around them, we know the Savior gathered children, the Savior blessed children," she said. "So when they’re doing His work of gathering food for those who are hungry, or blankets, or something for children in hospitals, that’s the Savior’s work. And when they do it, they are going to feel His spirit and His love. It's powerful."