Vision and Mission
Our Roots
- The SOS Children’s Villages concept, pioneered a family approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children.
- We take action for children as an independent non-governmental social development organization.
- We respect varying religions and cultures.
- We work in the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Our Vision - What we want for the world’s children
Every child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security.
Our Mission - What we do
We build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures and we share in the development of their communities.
Our Values - What keeps us strong
- Courage: We take action
- Commitment: We keep our promises
- Trust: We believe in each other
- Accountability: We are reliable partners
The SOS Children’s Villages are built on four principles:
Mother: Represents the biological parents. She lives with the children with whose care she has been entrusted
in a family house, teaches them about the organization of daily life, establishes strong relations based on
trust and affection, and provides the children with a warm and reassuring home. The women who undertake this
very demanding job are single and have gone through an intensive two year training course;
Brothers and Sisters: Children grow up as brothers and sisters and natural siblings are never separated.
The House: Every SOS family has a house of its own. The house is the family’s house, with its own unique feelings,
rhythm and routine. Under its roof, Children enjoy a real sense of security and belonging. Children grow and
learn together, sharing responsibilities and all the joys and sorrows of daily life.
Village: is made up of an average of 10 to 15 family houses. The village constitutes a family-like community and
gives the children cultural roots and a sense of belonging. The child is eligible for admission into the village
family house from day one of his/her birth up to the age of 12 years. At the age of 14 or 15, adolescents leave
the village family house for the SOS Youth House, which will lead them progressively towards becoming independent
adults. The youth facilities are headed by Youth care Co-Workers who advise and guide youth. Youth learn to manage
their finances and organize their everyday life. Whilst at the youth facilities, youth continue their studies up to
professional college or university training.