The first SOS Children's Village was founded by Hermann Gmeiner in 1949 in Imst,
Austria. He was committed to helping children in need – children who had lost their
homes, their security and their families as a result of the Second World War. With
the support of many donors and co-workers, our organisation has grown to help
children all over the world
We take action for children as an independent non-governmental social development
organisation. We respect varying religions and cultures, and we work in countries and
communities where our mission can contribute to development. We work in the spirit
of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and we promote these
rights around the world.
With the SOS Children’s Village concept, our organisation pioneered a family
approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children. This concept is
based on four principles:
The Mother:
Each child has a caring parent
The SOS mother builds a close relationship with every child entrusted to her,
and provides the security, love and stability that each child needs. As a childcare
professional, she lives together with her children, guides their development,
and runs her household independently. She recognises and respects each child’s
family background, cultural roots and religion.
Brothers and Sisters:
Family ties grow naturally
Girls and boys of different ages live together as brothers and sisters, with natural
brothers and sisters always staying within the same SOS family. These children
and 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 all the joys and sorrows of
daily life.
The Village:
The SOS family is a part of the community
SOS families live together, forming a supportive village environment where
children enjoy a happy childhood. The families share experiences and offer one
another a helping hand. They also live as integrated and contributing members
of the local community. Through his or her family, village and community, each
child learns to participate actively in societ
We act for our Children, we respect the various religions and cultures, we work in the spirit of children's rights
