Join Our Global Family
World consciousness for our struggling neighbors is becoming more heightened. But more needs to happen for additional nations to effectively take their place in the global economy. At SOS Children's Villages, we call on you to join our global family. Together we can help tackle the problems that affect children and family development. In doing so, the cycle of poverty, child trafficking, and terrorism can be contained.
By 2010, 45 million children will be orphaned
Only 2% of these 45 million children are expected to be adopted. In many countries, there is no foster care system or other government safety net. What will happen to these poor innocent children? They will likely be subjected to a marginalized life - at extreme risk for child abuse, exploitation, and fear - adding to the snowballing effect of whole families struggling to survive in slums or back city streets.
SOS Children's Villages
The SOS Children's Village model is unique because of its four fundamental principles -
The Mother: Each child has a caring parent. The most important person for the children's personal development on the road to self-reliance is their SOS mother. She builds an emotional bond with each child entrusted to her care and provides the security they need. She is a child care professional and recognizes and respects each child's family background, cultural roots and religion.
Brothers and Sisters: Family ties are built within an SOS family and SOS village. Girls and boys of different ages live together as brothers and sisters. Siblings are not separated when they arrive at the village and live together in the same SOS family. These children, together with their SOS mother, build emotional ties that last a lifetime.
The House: Each family creates its own home. The house is the family's home, with its own unique feeling, rhythm and routine. Under its roof, children enjoy a real sense of security and belonging. Children grow and learn together, sharing responsibilities and the joys and sorrows of daily life.
The Village: The SOS family is part of the community. The SOS Children's Village is an integral part of the community in its location, design and every other aspect. SOS families are grouped together, enabling them to share experiences and offer one another a helping hand. Within this supportive environment, children learn to trust and believe in others and themselves.
Be A Part of the Solution!
If you have already signed up to sponsor a village - we thank you! If you have not, we encourage you to change a child's future today through a meaningful commitment of sponsorship.
We need your help now and in the future to maintain and expand our ever-growing network of nearly 500 children's villages in 132 countries.
The SOS Village - A World of Ideals
Inside each SOS Children's Village is a world of ideals: the practice of peace, tolerance and love. And, every time we meet a child who grew up in an SOS Children's Village, we know these ideals are being practiced. You can visit and find out for yourself.
What happens in an SOS Village? Here the children heal. The children build confidence. Here they learn to trust adults. Here they are protected. Here the children plant their roots. Here they call their home. Here is their foundation. Here they start their future.
Won't You Be A Part Of Our Global Family?
The world's "children" are becoming endangered by the very people who are supposed to be protecting them. Once a child is living out on the street or moved into a forced labor situation, his or her childhood is threatened or ultimately stolen. Will you help to protect their childhood?