Goal:
The organisation is working towards the goal of one day being able to provide shelter to every deserving child in the country. This is a realistic target as the organisation admits only those children who are either complete orphans or, categorized as ‘social’ orphans.
Vision:
Every child belongs to a Family
Family is the heart of society. Within a family, each child is protected and enjoys a sense of belonging. Here, children learn values, share responsibilities and form life-long relationships. A family environment gives them a solid foundation on which to build their lives.
Every child grows with love
Through love and acceptance, emotional wounds are healed and confidence is built. Children learn to trust and believe in themselves and others. With this self-assurance, each child can recognize and fulfill his or her potential.
Every child grows with respect
Each child’s voice is heard and taken seriously. Children participate in making decisions that affect their lives and are guided to take a leading role in their own development. The child grows with respect and dignity as a cherished member of his or her family and society.
Every child grows with security
Children are protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation and are kept safe during natural disaster and war. Children have shelter, food, health care and education. These are the basic requirements for the sound development of all children.
Objectives:
The idea of the SOS Children’s Village is an important milestone in the development of a modern approach towards the welfare of children. Deprived of their natural parents, children are placed in an environment which is as close as possible to a natural home. SOS Children’s Villages meet this need by providing them with loving care, security, higher education and job-training. This allows them to live normal lives and a sense of confidence is instilled in them that develops their full potential. The organization is working towards the goal of one day being able to provide shelter to every deserving child in the country.
Affiliations:
SOS Children’s Villages is active in 134 countries and territories worldwide. The variety of this international work is brought together by the umbrella organization SOS-Kinderdorf International, which unites all of the autonomous national associations. Its head office is in Innsbruck, Austria. SOS Kinderdorf is the largest child welfare organization in the world and has so far established over 2,310 projects, with the number steadily increasing. Many of the facilities are community projects such as schools, medical centers, agricultural projects, vocational training and production centers. SOS Children’s Villages is assisting more than 330,330 children and families through its family strengthening programs. In all countries where SOS Children’s Villages operate, the aim is to form a national association which is its own legal entity, with its own statutes and Board of Directors.
Four Basic Principles:
The PHILOSOPHY OF SOS is simple and very basic. Every child has the right to good nurturing. In order to achieve this, four principles are adhered to, and from the basis of all the work of the organization.
- A Mother
- Brothers and Sisters
- A home
- A village
Living at SOS:
Religious instruction is an integral part of the children’s routine. Extra-curricular activities are also organised in which the children enthusiastically participate. Sports and musical events, scouts and girl guides, games, cooking and art classes are just some of the many diverse activities available to them. Children are also periodically taken on trips outside the Village and take part in many community activities with other local children. Since a number of children have experienced difficult situations in life, coming from neglected and sometimes violent backgrounds, there is psychological counselling available for them as well.
The organization takes responsibility for the children in its care till they are able to support themselves. After matriculation both boys and girls receive career counselling. Higher education is provided to those with merit and, otherwise, technical education is available. The boys remain in our care till they are capable of earning their livelihood and girls are also encouraged to train for careers.