What is SOS? 

For 60 years, SOS Children's Villages has helped children who are orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. We give these children the opportunity to build lasting relationships within an SOS family.  Our family approach in the SOS Children's Village is based on four principles:

  1. Each child needs a mother,
  2. Each child grows up most naturally with brothers and sisters,
  3. Each child grows up in their own house,
  4. Each child grows up within a supportive village environment.

We invite you to learn more about SOS through reading the information below.
Sign post shows how much SOS Children's Villages have changed in 60 years

60 Years of History

SOS Children’s Villages was founded in 1949 in response to the needs of the many children left orphaned and abandoned after World War II. The original concept is still working today, 60 years later, to provide children who have lost their parents or who are no longer able to live with them a loving home and a stable environment in which they can thrive. More...
Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Over the last five decades, founder Hermann Gmeiner and his successor and current President Helmut Kutin, have received a multitude of awards and honors in recognition of the SOS Children's Village work supporting orphaned and abandoned children. Our organization has received important prizes in almost all the countries in which SOS Children's Villages is active. More...
Tibetan orphans and children in need have been given a home, loving care and a good education in various villages, schools

SOS Celebrity Supporters

The support of many well-known personalities, corporations and foundations help projects get off the ground smoothly and effectively promotes our work. Their valuable commitment brings the situation of children into the public eye and gives voice to our cause. More...
Cartier is an SOS Childrens Villages USA Corporate Supporter

SOS Corporate Supporters

SOS Corporate Supporters are the well-known companies, organizations and brands who provide resources and publicity vital to SOS Children's Villages' operations. More...
SOS Children's Podcasts

Media Library

Help orphaned and abandoned children by sponsoring a child or giving a charitable donation. Watch videos and listen to podcasts to learn more about SOS Children's Villages. More...