About Us

 

SOS Children’s Villages International is a non-governmental social development organisation working to protect and care for children and young people who have lost parental care or who are at risk of losing parental care. SOS Children’s Villages builds loving, stable families for these children in 135 countries, including Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, we have been working since 1972. Presently, we have 6 (six) SOS Children's Villages and other programmes in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Chattagram, Bogura & Sylhet.

 

 

Our history

 

The first SOS Children’s Village was established by Hermann Gmeiner in 1949 in Imst, Austria who witnessed the sufferings of children as a result of the Second World War. He realised the importance of protecting those affected children and established SOS Children’s Villages.

In Bangladesh, SOS Children’s Villages started its activities in 1972 immediately after the war of independence with the consent from the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Six SOS Children’s Villages have so far been established in six locations in Bangladesh. The first SOS Children’s Village was established in Dhaka in 1972. Later on, five more SOS Children’s Villages were established in Rajshahi, Khulna, Chattogram, Bogura and Sylhet.

Our 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 recognise and fulfil his or her potential.

 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.

 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.

Mission Statement

We build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures and we share in development of their communities.

Our Mission

WE BUILD FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

We work for 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 a family.
Our family approach in the SOS Children's Village is based on four principles: Each child needs a mother, and grows up most naturally with brothers and sisters, in their own house, within a supportive village environment.

 WE HELP THEM SHAPE THEIR OWN FUTURES

We enable children to live according to their own culture and religion, and to be active members of the community.
We help children to recognise and express their individual abilities, interests and talents.
We ensure that children receive the education and skills training they need to be successful and contributing members of society.

WE SHARE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR COMMUNITIES

We share in community life and respond to the social development needs of society's most vulnerable children and young people.
We establish facilities and programmes that aim to strengthen families and prevent the abandonment of children.
We join hands with community members to provide education and health care, and respond to emergencies.

Our Values

What keeps us strong

These are the core beliefs and attitudes on which our organisation has been built, and they are the cornerstones of our success. These enduring values guide our actions, decisions and relationships as we work towards fulfilling our mission.

COURAGE:

We take action

COMMITMENT

We keep our promises

TRUST

We believe in each other

ACCOUNTABILITY

We are reliable partners