Making a Difference
SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES

By Wein P. Gadian

Dr. Abraham Maslow in his ‘Theory of Motivation' made a strenuous effort to arrange human motives in terms of importance. He suggested that the physiological needs are lowest or the most basic, then the safety needs, social needs, the need to develop self-esteem and finally the final stage which is self-actualization. Man also desires a better situation for himself, thus he would find ways to realize his needs. The family is the most significant component in fulfilling these needs especially the crucial stages of childhood.

For years millions of children worldwide have been living apart from their biological families for a variety of reasons. This includes parental separation, family violence and neglect, and social and economic need, or because they have lost their parents due to war, natural catastrophes or disease including AIDS. These children without family networks are emotionally traumatized and in real danger of being isolated, abused, exploited and deprived of their rights.

An independent, non-governmental social development organization which has been working to meet these needs and protect the interests and rights of children for 55 years is the SOS Children's Villages. It caters to abandoned children requiring care and support disadvantaged families. It was founded in 1949 by Hermann Gmeiner, an Austrian and orphan himself who also built the first SOS Children's Village for World War II orphans in Imst, Austria.

‘SOS' which also stands for ‘Save our Ship' or ‘help' was an inspiration for the founder in building the village. According to SOS workers it's also “Save our Souls”, because the children in their care are innocent and thus, their souls are pure.

Since its foundation, the SOS Children's Villages and youth facilities have become home to some 58, 000 children and adolescents from different parts of the continent. Hundreds of thousands of people benefit from educational, social, medical and emergency relief programmes. It is also in 132 countries and territories around the world. It provides a right to family care, protection and a fair chance in life. It believes that every child should be given love, protection and respect, as well as access to education and medical care. It also has a whole range of programmes and facilities in support of socially disadvantaged and impoverished families so as to help them lead a decent life in the long term.

In the Philippines, SOS Children's Villages started in 1967. Now, it has seven villages and are in Lipa City (1967), Tacloban (1969), Calbayog (1972), Cebu (1979), Davao (1982), Manila (1988) and Iloilo (2002). SOS Iloilo is with the partnerships of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo and SOS Switzerland.

SOS Children's Village Iloilo commenced last September of 2003 with the admittance of the first seven children. It is under headship of Mr. Renie Masongsong, along with the SOS mothers, aunts and co-workers all together dedicate their time for the mission of this new village. With a total land area of 24, 967 square meters, 12 family houses with a maximum of 10 children each. It also has a kindergarten school and equipped with playgrounds, volleyball courts and others for the kids use. Now, it provides care for 106 children.

SOS Children's Villages Iloilo is also in need of an SOS Village Mother and Aunt for the children. If you are healthy, a college graduate, loves children, a Filipina and single aging 28 – 40 y.o. and with a positive and cheerful attitude towards life. You are strong, religious, self-confident, humorous, emotionally stable and with an ability to bear up under stress be a mother to 8 – 10 kids. Visit SOS Children's Village in Rizal St., Poblacion Ilaya, Zarraga Iloilo. Call 5254563.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The child care approach develop by Hermann Gmeiner is based on four principles and on the simple fact that children need a sustainable family network in order to grow up as healthy individuals in every aspect. The SOS Children's Village Mother, brothers and sisters, the house and the village

The emotional heart of an SOS Children's Village family is in the SOS Mother. It is mainly single women who dedicate their lives for these children. They are professional carers living in one of the houses in the village. She is responsible in providing care in the home and treats these (up to 10) children as her own. Each SOS family comprises eight to ten children, with boys and girls of various ages growing up together as brothers and sisters while biological siblings always live together in the same family.

The SOS Children's Village family is provided a House of its own. All designed with a combined living/dining room as the center of social life within the family. And the last is the Village , which has typically 10 – 15 family homes. It is designed to be part of its surrounding neighborhood with all children attending local schools and taking part in community activities.

Every SOS Children's Villages aims to equip children and young people in their care for an independent life. That makes education and vocational training indispensable. Often, it runs its own kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, and vocational training centers for children and young. It also caters not only to children in the village but also in the neighboring communities with priorities given to children from the poorest families.

SOS Children's Village also has SOS Medical Centres which plays an important role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Another is the SOS Emergency Relief Programmes in acute crisis where speed is important. These facilities are in the SOS Children's Villages of countries with the most needs.

Every village is also supported by a number of companies and other partnerships including private individuals. There are many ways to support its work. There are the regular donations, sponsorhips, and also through the internet.

In the Philippines, there are three ways to help the SOS Children's Villages. One can be an SOS Friend with a minimum of P50 as a monthly contribution. An SOS Sponsor which could be a choice from being an Education Sponsor, House Sponsor or a Village Sponsor. It is also open to those who can't make a long term commitment. And they could give their support in a single donation as an SOS Donor. SOS Children's Village accepts any form of support, big or small, can make a difference.

For inquiries visit www.sos-childrensvillages.org or call 5254563 look for Mr. Renie. So have a heart and take part in helping these children to enjoy a secure tomorrow.