Stories 

In families and communities where the welfare of children is at risk, we provide long-term practical support. We create a unique family and village environment for children who cannot live with their parents.

The following stories reflect what we do, in the interest of children everywhere.

Why family matters - May 15 is International Day of the Family  @ k Iliveska

International Day of the Family - Why family matters

14/5/2013 - A single parent living in poverty faces a five year struggle to regain of custody her daughter, who she loves dearly. The best interests of the child are paramount for all involved, including social workers at SOS Children’s Villages. More...
What of my future? Toil and resilience is not enough to save families. SOS is acive in Syria © SOS Archives

Displaced from the land in Syria

03/05/2013 – In a cramped school building, mattresses, blankets and personal belongings are stacked in heaps. A woman receives food from 16 year-old Ghaith. The SOS youth reflects the strong solidarity that exists in Syria. The grateful woman ponders her children’s future, as they are displaced from the land that sustained them. More...
Vote for children

Vote NOW - to make a better world for children

19/04/2013 - SOS Children's Villages and the United Nations want to hear from you! MY World is a global survey asking you to choose your priorities for a better world. Results will be shared with world leaders in setting the next global development agenda More...
Child care in Nepal on the agenda

Child care in Nepal on the agenda

18/03/2013 - In June 2012 the Nepal Government, UNICEF, Save the Children and SOS Children's Villages Nepal organised a Policy Dialogue on alternative care of children. The event was a milestone in the history of the childcare movement in Nepal. The book 'Alternative care of children. Challenges and emerging opportunities in Nepal' was now published. More...
One child in every 11 dies as a result of preventable health conditions in Ethiopia @ SOS Archives

Ethiopia's rural women deliver a positive health message

07/03/2013 - One child in every 11 dies as a result of preventable health conditions in Ethiopia. A quarter of the population – most of whom are illiterate and poor– live at least 10km from any health facility. Rural women are now at the forefront of change. Watch the video
17% of women in Azerbaijan do not have a say in everyday household decisions ©kmiragaya – Fotolia.com

What a woman is not allowed..in a rich country

27/2/2013 - International Women's Day was the same as any other. "Cleaning, cooking, washing, feeding the chickens, planting vegetables," is how Leila describes her daily routine locked inside a yard surrounded by concrete walls. She never had a say in the matter. This year is different. More...
Greece –Finding the mechanisms to go on

Greece – Finding the mechanisms to go on

14/12/2012 - In 2008, the national debt for every man, woman and child in Greece stood at €26,000. Overnight, the effects of this became clear to all. This is a story of one middleclass family whose troubles are not yet over. However, this Christmas, in common with 650 other families, they are cautiously optimistic for a reason. More...
Communities have the power in their hands

Communities have the power in their hands

10/12/2012 - Particularly after the devastating effects of the tsunami in 2004 , SOS Children's Villages Sri Lanka extended its work with families. One - very successful - family strengthening programme was set up in close partnership with the community in Gandara in the southern part of the country. More...
A new generation, a new perspective on HIV/AIDS © C. Geunda

World AIDS Day – A new generation a new approach

29/11/2012 - In a fashion and design school in Burkina Faso, Djamila - an apprentice and entrepreneur - is passionate about dress making. She is a role model in the community. At 19-year old, she became known as Doctor Djamila. What makes her unique, is what she says about HIV. More...
Hiding between oven and refrigerator

Hiding between oven and refrigerator

12/11/2012 - Aysha (42) is married to Sawaf who has lost both legs due to diabetes. They have one son, Amjad (12). Sawaf used to work as a driver for a private company, but eight years ago he lost his legs - and so his job. The situation is getting worse, but not due to Sawaf's illness. More...